Right before kickoff for the 2025 Thanksgiving Day showdown between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, fans at Ford Field got more than football. They got a powerful reminder of Detroit’s heart and soul, courtesy of hometown gospel legend CeCe Winans.
Winans — a 17-time Grammy winner and a Detroit native — stepped up to the mic and delivered what many are calling one of the most emotional national-anthem performances in recent memory. In her own words, she shared that Thanksgiving in her family was always “about gratefulness to God, family, food and football,” and that “Lions games were on all the time in our home.”
🎯 Why It Matters
It’s more than music — it’s heritage: Having CeCe Winans perform ties together Detroit’s rich musical roots and the city’s love for football, making the game feel deeply personal for local fans.
A moment of unity before rivalry returns: Before the physical clash on the field, Winans’ anthem gave the crowd — regardless of team allegiance — a shared moment of reflection, pride, and community.
Sets the tone for the game: The emotional weight of her performance created a charged atmosphere in Ford Field, reminding everyone why Thanksgiving football is a tradition and not just another week in the schedule.
Whether you came for the game, the music, or the tradition — CeCe’s voice made sure you felt all three. For Detroit fans especially, it was a moment many will remember long after the final whistle.
CeCe Winans Delivers Emotional National Anthem Ahead of Lions–Packers Thanksgiving Clash
