Thanksgiving Day is a time for families to come together and enjoy a feast, but even the NFL world celebrated with saxophonist Mike Phillips’ presence. This year, the first game of the holiday tripleheader was set in Detroit, where the 10-1 Detroit Lions faced off against the 4-7 Chicago Bears in a much-anticipated NFC North matchup.
Before the action on Ford Field kicked off, fans at Detroit were treated to a stirring and unforgettable rendition of the national anthem, setting the tone for both the game and the holiday.
Fans React to Mike Phillips’ Soulful National Anthem Rendition
The Lions vs. Bears game kicked off at 12.30 p.m. ET on Nov. 28, starting with a powerful performance from Phillips, a famous musician and the first artist ever signed to Jordan Brand.
He is famously known for his soulful style and musical versatility. As an artist, he has performed the anthem multiple times at NFL events, including the 2016 NFC Championship Game.
This saxophone rendition of the National Anthem World from Mike Phillips is INCREDIBLE. 🎷
📺: #CHIvsDET on CBS/Paramount+
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/qeTkQjLThS— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2024
His latest performance on Thanksgiving stood out as one of his most impactful, especially as his saxophone playing gave a moving tribute to America that filled the crowd with pride.
The response from fans was overwhelming, both from those present in the stadium and from viewers watching on television and the internet.
Social media quickly filled with praise for Phillips, highlighting how his rendition of the anthem set the perfect tone for a day of Thanksgiving football.
One fan posted, “Saxophone setting the tone for Thanksgiving football. Who needs turkey when you’ve got vibes like this?”
Saxophone setting the tone for Thanksgiving football 🎷🔥
Who needs turkey when you’ve got vibes like this? 🏈🦃— Beet (@babybeetroot) November 28, 2024
Others echoed similar sentiments, with one viewer admitting, “It was legendary! holding that last note for as long as he did.”
The performance was particularly celebrated for its emotional resonance. One fan commented, “I loved this rendition of The National Anthem! Thanks, Guy Benson!”
Fans also acknowledged the rarity of a truly great anthem performance, with one reflecting, “What an instrumental version of our National Anthem…This was a sweet rendition.”
A fan added, “So awesome.”
“Absolutely spectacular!” added another pleased fan.
A proud fan noted, “Happy Thanksgiving! This rendition of the National Anthem is a tribute, and for, the 76,000,000 Americans that came together on November 5th, to save The United States of America.”
Over the years, Phillips has performed national anthem renditions many times on the football field.
Mike Phillips hit the saxaphone for the national anthem at Ford Field before the Packers vs. Lions
So good 🎷
VIDEO: @Lions | @m_dot_philly
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) January 9, 2022
Meanwhile, with an amazing start, the Bears and Lions hope to find their rhythm on the special day. The energy is high for Detroit, which not only hosts the Bears with a better record but should be excited about the prospects of winning their first Thanksgiving Day game under head coach Dan Campbell in four years.