One of the oldest NFL traditions kicks off the football action on Thursday: the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving game. After decades of subpar football, the Lions are back and ready to take on the Green Bay Packers, but who will perform in the halftime show?
Up-and-coming rapper Jack Harlow takes the stage for the day’s first NFL Thanksgiving halftime show. How can you watch the first NFL game on Turkey Day? Here’s how to watch the NFC North battle between the Packers and Lions and some more about Harlow.
Who Is Jack Harlow?
Harlow is a 25-year-old hip-hop artist from Louisville, Kentucky. He began rapping at 12 years old and acquired his first professional microphone in seventh grade. He would record his first mixtape, Extra Credit, under Mr. Harlow.
Starting his music journey in 2015, Harlow would release his first major label debut mixtape three years later, Loose, with the lead single “Sundown.”
A year later, he would release Confetti, another major label mixtape. Soon after, 2020 saw the release of one of his most famous songs, “Whats Poppin,” later remixed with features from DaBaby, Tory Lanez, and Lil Wayne.
The song’s success would lead to the release of Harlow’s debut album in 2020, That’s What They All Say, rather than a mixtape. He was named “Top New Artist” at the Billboard Music Awards and Variety’s “Hitmaker of the Year” in 2021.
This is not Harlow’s first time being a special guest at a sporting event.
He was a 2022 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game member and the College GameDay guest picker and performer for Ohio State’s 2022 season opener. With several platinum hits and a fantastic stage presence, “Jackman” should have the stadium buzzing.
Harlow’s Performance Criticized On Social Media
Well, Harlow’s performance has come and gone, and let’s just say that it was not very well received.
What did you think of the Jack Harlow halftime show performance🤔#PFN365 pic.twitter.com/vaEdL6R5Q5
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 23, 2023
Harlow came out of what seemed to be a makeshift igloo, to sing some of his biggest hits. The problem? Harlow did not seem all that enthused to be performing. Of course, social media came to the rescue with some absolutely hilarious comments.
The biggest complaint was actually around the questionable set. “This Jack Harlow set budget was like 36 dollars,” said one social media user. “How low was the budget on this halftime show by Jack Harlow?” said another.
However, the comments seen the most often on social media? Well, it was actually football fans clamoring for the return of Creed, famous for one of the best halftime shows of all time back in 2001.
Please bring Creed back 🙏🏻
pic.twitter.com/Z8oHvzlm0V— Jordan Loupe (@CantALoupe_FF) November 23, 2023
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
- Start time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: FOX
- Live stream options: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FOX Now
All hope seemed lost a week ago as the Lions stared at a 12-point deficit against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. QB Jared Goff had thrown three interceptions, and RB Craig Reynolds fumbled a kickoff, but in true 2023 Lions fashion, the team rallied together with 4:15 remaining in the fourth quarter to find a way to win.
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For the first time since 2014, the Lions should have no issues reaching double-digit wins. With two divisional wins under their belt, could the Lions sweep the NFC North, attempting to win the division for the first time since 1991 in style? They should get one win closer this week against a mediocre Green Bay squad.
Detroit has figured out how to unleash both RBs David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs on defenses. The Packers allow 134.7 rushing yards per game this season, the fifth-highest mark in football. The Lions have rushed for 10+ yards on 11.7% of carries this season, the fourth-best rate in the NFL. Detroit RBs are also averaging 117.4 yards per game since 2022, the second-best in the league.
It may be a rough Thanksgiving for Green Bay, which desperately needs to make changes around the roster this offseason. While the Packers have succeeded in the second half, will they dig themselves a hole too big to climb out of with Detroit’s explosive first-half offense?
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