The Detroit Lions have confirmed that Jack White, the iconic Detroit-born rocker and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, will perform at the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Halftime Show powered by VerizonDetroit on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The announcement, made public at 12:15 PM UTC on November 16, 2025, via the team’s official website, sent shockwaves through the city’s music and sports communities. It’s not just another halftime act—it’s a homecoming. White, born John Anthony Gillis and raised in the city’s east side, has spent his career turning Detroit’s gritty garage-rock spirit into global anthems. Now, he’ll do it live, in front of the Lions’ faithful, on one of the NFL’s most-watched days of the year.
A Tradition Reimagined
The Lions’ Thanksgiving game isn’t just a football fixture—it’s a cultural institution. Since 1934, the team has hosted a game on the holiday, making it the longest-running annual NFL tradition. For decades, the halftime show was an afterthought: marching bands, local school choirs, maybe a celebrity appearance. But in recent years, the Lions have turned it into a showcase for Detroit’s musical soul. Kid Rock in 2006. Lenny Kravitz in 2010. Stevie Wonder in 2015. Each act carried a Detroit connection. Jack White isn’t just another name on the list—he’s the embodiment of it. His band, The White Stripes, launched from a basement in the city’s Mexicantown. His label, Third Man Records, still operates out of a converted auto parts warehouse in the Cass Corridor. This isn’t a corporate booking. It’s a homecoming.The Power of Verizon and the Scale of the Stage
The show is officially branded as “powered by Verizon,” a sponsorship that underscores the event’s growing production value. Verizon Communications Inc., headquartered in New York City, has been a key partner in the Lions’ digital and broadcast strategy since 2021. While financial terms remain undisclosed, the scale of the event is unmistakable. The game kicks off at 4:30 PM Eastern Time at Ford Field, where over 65,000 fans will be in attendance—and millions more watching nationwide. The 2024 game drew 30.1 million viewers, according to Nielsen. That’s more than most Super Bowls. With White’s global fanbase, this year’s numbers could top 35 million. The NFL confirmed the announcement at 3:04 PM UTC on the same day, signaling how seriously the league views this moment.Why This Matters Beyond the Game
The Detroit Free Press called White “the first artist booked for the holiday classic”—a statement that’s technically inaccurate, but emotionally true. What they meant was this: for the first time, the halftime show feels like it’s being curated by someone who *lives* the city’s music DNA, not just someone hired to check a box. Eminem, another Detroit legend, performed at the 2024 Super Bowl. He wasn’t asked to appear here. That’s telling. The Lions aren’t chasing fame—they’re honoring legacy. And in doing so, they’re turning a football halftime into a civic moment. White’s set will likely include “Seven Nation Army,” “Fell in Love with a Girl,” and maybe even a surprise cover of a Motown classic. No one knows for sure. But fans already know this: when he hits that first chord, the entire city will stop.
What We Don’t Know
The details are still sparse. No setlist. No guest appearances. No rehearsal schedule. The Lions’ PR team has been tight-lipped, as has Verizon. Will White bring his full band? Will he play solo? Will he be joined by a Detroit choir? A young rapper from the east side? The absence of information only fuels speculation—and excitement. What we do know: the show will be broadcast nationally on CBS, streamed on Paramount+, and amplified by Verizon’s 5G network, with enhanced audio feeds available to app users. The production will be handled by the Lions’ events team, with support from the NFL’s live entertainment division. No financial figures have been released—not for White’s fee, not for the stage build, not for the marketing campaign. That’s rare in today’s hyper-commercialized sports landscape. It suggests something deeper is at play.A City’s Sound, on the Biggest Stage
Detroit has produced more influential music than most countries. Motown. Techno. Garage rock. Hip-hop. The Lions’ Thanksgiving show has quietly become a platform to honor that. In 2025, it’s Jack White’s turn. He’s not just a musician. He’s a symbol. A reminder that greatness can come from the rust belt, from the backstreets, from the places the world forgets. And on Thanksgiving Day, when families gather and the country pauses, millions will watch a Detroit boy take the stage in his hometown—and turn a football game into a monument.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jack White’s performance considered historic for the Lions’ Thanksgiving show?
While the Lions have featured Detroit-connected artists before—including Kid Rock and Stevie Wonder—Jack White is the first to be both born and raised in the city and to have built his global career entirely from its underground music scene. His connection to Third Man Records and the city’s garage rock revival makes this feel like a homecoming, not a corporate booking. The Detroit Free Press’ phrasing, calling him "the first artist booked for the holiday classic," reflects this emotional significance, even if it’s not historically accurate.
How does this compare to Eminem’s Super Bowl performance?
Eminem headlined the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, which was a massive global spectacle with over 120 million viewers. Jack White’s performance, while not on that scale, is more culturally intimate. It’s not a national spectacle—it’s a Detroit story. The Lions’ choice signals they’re prioritizing authenticity over spectacle. Eminem’s show was a moment for the world. White’s is a moment for the city—and the world will be watching because of it.
Will the performance be available to stream after the game?
Yes. The game and halftime show will be streamed live on Paramount+, and full highlights—including White’s performance—are expected to be available on the Detroit Lions’ official YouTube channel and NFL app within hours after the game. Verizon customers may also receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content through their mobile app, as part of their sponsorship package.
What’s the significance of Verizon’s involvement?
Verizon’s sponsorship elevates the production quality and reach of the show. Since 2021, they’ve helped modernize the Lions’ digital experience, including 5G-enabled fan apps and enhanced stadium connectivity. Their branding as “powered by Verizon” suggests they’re funding a more ambitious stage, lighting, and audio setup—likely enabling live 360-degree broadcasts and immersive audio streams. It’s not just advertising; it’s infrastructure.
Has Jack White ever performed at a major sports event before?
Not at this scale. White has played at small stadium events and festivals, including a surprise set at the 2023 Bonnaroo Festival. But this will be his first time headlining a nationally televised NFL halftime show. He’s never performed on Thanksgiving, and he’s never played a live set in Detroit during the holiday. The Lions are giving him a platform he’s never had—and one that’s deeply personal.
What time does the halftime show start?
The Lions’ Thanksgiving game kicks off at 4:30 PM Eastern Time on November 27, 2025. Halftime typically occurs around 6:00 PM ET, meaning White’s performance will likely begin between 5:55 and 6:05 PM. The exact timing will be confirmed closer to the date, but fans should plan to be ready when the second half begins.