TL;DR
- Detroit's Lions chose Jack White for Thanksgiving halftime show, with Eminem's input.
- Jack White, a Detroit native and Rock Hall inductee, will perform at the Packers-Lions game.
- White's iconic song "Seven Nation Army" is a popular sports chant.
- The halftime performance is expected around 2:30 p.m. ET.
Football is a Thanksgiving tradition in the U.S., with families gathering to watch three NFL games. These matchups will be more elaborate than usual Sunday contests, featuring special halftime performances.
The traditional season opener is set for Ford Field in Detroit, featuring a matchup between the Lions and the Green Bay Packers. As the game's importance has risen, the Lions enlisted Eminem's assistance in selecting the halftime performer.
This year's show features a notable rock star: Jack White is set to perform during the halftime break. His appearance is significant for several reasons, making him a fitting selection.
Here’s a breakdown of why the Lions and Eminem chose Jack White.
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Jack White at Packers-Lions game why?
Detroit tabbed rock star Jack White to perform during the halftime show of the Packers-Lions game on Thanksgiving Day.
Eminem collaborated with The Lions this year to select a performer, ultimately choosing a local talent. White is widely recognized as the frontman and guitarist for The White Stripes, a band recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
White, who was born Jack Gillis, met Meg White in high school. The two married in 1996, with Jack taking her last name. They formed The White Stripes in 1997 but marketed themselves as siblings rather than a married couple. White has been part of several bands and musical projects — including The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather — but none were more famous than his act with Meg.
Despite the Whites' divorce in 2000, they continued as a band, achieving their greatest success post-separation. The White Stripes declared their disbandment in 2011, with Meg retiring from music entirely. Jack has continued his career as a touring solo artist.
White's appearance at Ford Field represents the peak of several factors. He grew up in Detroit and is among the most prominent musical artists to emerge from the area. This event allows him to commemorate his Hall of Fame enshrinement with his community during a yearly celebration.
Eminem, also a Detroit native, likely wanted a local star to headline this year’s halftime show.
White has had a hand in creating many famous songs, none more iconic than “Seven Nation Army,” which has become one of the most recognizable chants in sports over the past two decades.
Some of White's other popular song inlcude "Fell in Love With a Girl" and "Hotel Yorba."
MORE: Why to the Lions play on Thanksgiving?
Packers-Lions halftime show time
As the Lions and Packers prepare for their kickoff at 1:00 p.m. ET, Jack White is anticipated to perform near 2:30 p.m. ET. An NFL game's first half typically spans 1 to 1.5 hours, influenced by game speed, with halftime occurring approximately 75 minutes post-kickoff.
To catch Jack White's halftime performance, begin monitoring the game clock around 2:00 p.m., as the game might progress at a rapid pace. After the first half concludes, a brief interval will separate the game's end from White's act while Ford Field readies the stage.
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NFL Thanksgiving 2025 games
| Game | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| Packers @ Lions | 1:00 p.m. | Fox |
| Chiefs @ Cowboys | 4:30 p.m. | CBS |
| Bengals @ Ravens | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |