ESPN Drops Rock-Infused Anthem for Monday Night Football

ESPN has released a new anthem for Monday Night Football, featuring an unlikely trio of singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton, rapper Snoop Dogg, and drummer Cindy Blackman Santana. The cable sports channel unveiled the rock-infused version of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” ahead of a doubleheader last night.

A Powerful Collaboration

Chris Stapleton, known for his soulful country music, and iconic rapper Snoop Dogg might seem like an unexpected pairing, but together they delivered a captivating rendition of “In the Air Tonight.” The powerful drumbeat by Cindy Blackman Santana adds an extra layer of energy to the anthem.

A Cinematic Trailer for the Fans

Prior to the football games between the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, and the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, ESPN released a one-minute-and-forty-second cinematic trailer featuring the new anthem. The trailer showcases clips of the games, audience reactions, and the three artists in action.

A Divided Fanbase

As with any new release, fans had mixed reactions to the anthem. While some were excited and appreciative of the unexpected collaboration, others were less impressed. Social media platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter), saw a flurry of comments from football fans expressing their opinions.

Fans Embrace the Anthem

One fan expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “Chris Stapleton and Snoop Dogg covering ‘In the Air Tonight’ wasn’t on my 2023 bingo card. But I’m glad it exists.” Another fan playfully admitted to a change of heart, saying, “Me an hour ago: No one should ever cover Phil Collins ‘In the Air.’ Me, now: WOW Chris Stapleton is [fire emoji].” Some fans even claimed that the anthem surpassed the quality of the football games themselves, with one saying, “Both games tonight were BAD football. The best part was the Chris Stapleton intro in the first game.”

A Few Skeptics Remain

While many embraced the new anthem, a faction of fans remained unimpressed. One skeptic questioned the choice of performers, stating, “The new MNF song… is Chris Stapleton… covering a song that isn’t his, by someone who’s still active??” Another disgruntled fan expressed their dissatisfaction, declaring, “[Putting trash in the bin emoji] – that’s where this song belongs. Snoop Dogg and some goofy ass dancers? Chris Stapleton would have been fine but then they couldn’t even write an original song. Nah bring back Hank Williams and his rowdy friends.” It’s clear that not everyone was won over by this reimagined version of a classic.

Anthem Sparks Buzz on Social Media

The video quickly gained traction on social media, amassing one million views on X alone. Fans flocked to express their thoughts and reactions, igniting a spirited conversation about the anthem’s merits. Opinions may be divided, but one thing is certain: the new ESPN Monday Night Football anthem has generated plenty of buzz.

An Unexpected Collaboration

Chris Stapleton’s involvement with the NFL is not new. Earlier this year, he delivered a soulful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs face-off at Super Bowl LVII. As for Snoop Dogg, his performance during the “H.S. Reunion Tour” showcased his enduring popularity. The collaboration between these two artists, accompanied by the incredible drumming of Cindy Blackman Santana, has created a unique and unforgettable anthem for Monday Night Football.