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- Post Malone’s halftime return: a Texas-rooted performance
- Local ties and Nashville moves that shaped the moment
- Moment of remembrance: honoring a fallen player
- How the halftime show ties into the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff
- Local kickoffs and the national season opener
- Social buzz and fan reaction after the show
Post Malone brought a hometown energy to AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving, delivering a spirited halftime set at the Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs game. The performance felt personal — a Texas return for an artist who grew up nearby — and mixed country flavors with stadium-size showmanship.
Post Malone’s halftime return: a Texas-rooted performance
Post Malone arrived at center field in full Cowboys palette. His jacket was pinned with numerous badges. The crowd saw a blend of his recent country direction and earlier hits.
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What he played and who joined him
- He opened with a cut from his 2024 country album, F-1 Trillion.
- He moved into the 2018 hit “Wow” during the set.
- The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders joined him and stayed onstage for “I Had Some Help.”
The show was short but celebratory. Post Malone made brief remarks to the audience. He also offered a heartfelt shoutout to Texas and the Cowboys.
Local ties and Nashville moves that shaped the moment
Grapevine, the town where Post Malone was raised, sits less than 20 miles from Arlington. That proximity added resonance to his halftime slot.
- His recent shift into country music has kept him visible in Nashville.
- He opened a Broadway bar, Posty’s, this year, which ties him further to the country scene.
Fans watching in Texas and those gathered at Posty’s likely enjoyed the game together. The performance felt like a homecoming and a promotion of his current musical path.
Moment of remembrance: honoring a fallen player
During his final remarks, Post Malone said, “We love you 94.” The line referred to the late Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, whose death was noted earlier this month.
The team has honored Kneeland by displaying decals of his number on their helmets. The halftime shoutout added a solemn, human note to the festive atmosphere.
How the halftime show ties into the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff
The Cowboys-Chiefs Thanksgiving game often doubles as a national signal for holiday charity work. This matchup serves as a visibility moment for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.
Organizers use the televised audience to draw attention to seasonal giving. The halftime platform can help amplify donation efforts across the country.
Campaign context and past highlights
- The Cowboys and The Salvation Army have partnered since 1997.
- To date, the partnership has helped raise billions for community aid.
- Previous halftime moments have featured major artists, including an appearance by Dolly Parton in a customized Cowboys uniform.
Local kickoffs and the national season opener
The Red Kettle Campaign begins at different times across U.S. cities. Some communities start earlier in November.
- Wichita Falls, Texas, held its kickoff around November 21.
- La Porte County, Michigan, began its drive in early November.
The Thanksgiving game acts as a unifying national kickoff, even though many local drives are already underway.
Social buzz and fan reaction after the show
Clips and reactions spread quickly on social platforms. Fans praised the mix of country and pop hooks. Others noted the emotional tribute and the cheerleader collaboration.
- Highlights included the staging at center field and the costume details.
- Observers pointed out Post Malone’s Nashville activity and new venues.
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
