ESPN releases sensational new anthem, starring Chris Stapleton and Snoop Dogg, to kick off an NFL season full of iconic musical collaborations.
Football fans may have recognized the sweet-as-honey voice of country star Chris Stapleton as ESPN premiered the new theme song for Monday Night Football to kick off the tight face-off between the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers. The music video, which debuted Monday, September 18, brought together industry power hitters Snoop Dogg and drummer Cindy Blackman Santana to showcase a fresh take on Phil Collins’ classic hit “In the Air Tonight.”
“I don’t care if you are the home team, the away team, you are hearing that song no matter what,” said Terry McLaurin, wide receiver for the Washington Commanders, praising the cover’s selection as the new Monday Night Football anthem.
“In the Air Tonight” is one of Phil Collins’ most widely acclaimed singles, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 upon its release in 1981 before elevating the soundtrack of NBC’s Miami Vice in 1985. The single has since embedded itself within the fabric of rock history, making it the perfect song to launch the 2023-2024 season of America’s favorite pastime.
The historic collaboration between Chris Stapleton, Snoop Dogg, and Cindy Blackman Santana is just the beginning for Monday Night Football. ESPN has tapped Justin Timberlake and Timbaland to curate a selection of musical moments to run in promotional slots throughout Monday Night Football.
“ESPN’s Monday Night Football music curatorship is popular with fans given the access this partnership provides to new and unexpected combinations of music with sport,” said ESPN Senior Director of Sports Marketing, Curtis Friends. “We’ve had Diplo, DJ Khaled, Drake, and Mashmello and this fifth season, for the first time, we have two curators we know will energize all us fans for the NFL football season.”
Football fans can expect a flood of electrifying music collaborations, including the likes of Dolly Parton, who will be highlighting some hits from her new Rockstar album. While the full musical lineup of the 2023-2024 NFL season remains to be revealed, Chris Stapleton’s new take on a bona fide classic has already made its mark.
Check out the full video below.
Images courtesy of chrisstapleton.com.