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The two kicked off ESPN and ABC’s broadcasts of two games, ushering in a creative reimagining of a classic for this new anthem.
The NFL has a new theme for Monday Night Football, and it mixes eras, genres, and fanbases to create a new anthem.
Moreover, Chris Stapleton and Snoop Dogg graced fans with a cover of the iconic Phil Collins track “In The Air Tonight” on Monday (September 18). The rendition also featured Cindy Blackman Santana on drums, and made for a pretty grand and unexpected collaboration.
ESPN and ABC aired it before coverage of the New Orleans Saints versus the Carolina Panthers and the Cleveland Browns versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively.
According to a press release, this will continue for all Monday Night Football games, plus ESPN‘s Week 18 Saturday Doubleheader, Super Wild Card, and its first Divisional playoff game.
“It was fascinating to me to see how one song could get you in that mode to go kick some tail,” the Steelers’ Hines Ward told ESPN. “I don’t care if you are the home team [or] the away team.
You are hearing that song no matter what [before the game],” the Washington Commandeers’ Terry McLaurin remarked, as well. But now for the real question: how’s the song?
“In The Air Tonight” Gets A Monday Night Football Makeover
Well, it’s just as epic and over-the-top as you would expect for Monday Night Football, and that’s by no means a diss.
Chris Stapleton provides soaring and passionate vocals, doing the drama of the original Phil Collins track justice.
But you might be wondering: how on Earth does Tha Doggfather fit into this? The answer is a classically smooth and cheeky verse in the middle section, something that “In The Air Tonight” had never featured.
Meanwhile, this isn’t the only big musical move from the NFL for Monday Night Football. They also tapped legendary duo Justin Timberlake and Timbaland to curate music for specific games during the season.
All of this is fitting for an exciting season of great entertainment and even greater games. For more news and the latest updates on Snoop Dogg and the 2023-2024 NFL season, check back in with HNHH.
