Country music sensation Morgan Wallen, noted for his staunch Tennessee Volunteers loyalty, gave Detroit Lions fans a treat during his concert at Ford Field on Thursday. The Tennessee native strayed from his usual Vols attire, proudly donning a number 12 Hendon Hooker jersey for his encore in honor of the Detroit Lions.

Even as a die-hard Tennessee fan, Wallen recognizes the importance of connecting with his audience, showing affection for the city he’s performing in. This time, Detroit was in the spotlight.

A Message to the Detroit Fans

With the enthusiastic crowd warmly welcoming him, Wallen voiced his admiration for the city’s draft decision, saying, “I already liked Detroit ‘cause you drafted my boy Hendon Hooker, but I like you more now. Thank you for receiving me with such love.” His appreciation echoed throughout the stadium, adding a layer of authenticity to his show.

“This is our very first pro football stadium we’ve played on this tour, so this is a big deal for us. It seems like we’re gonna have a lot of fun,” Wallen shared after an electrifying ovation from the Detroit crowd.

Volunteering an Unforgettable Encore

As the main act drew to a close, Wallen, styled in his classic ensemble of worn blue jeans, scuffed boots, a crisp white t-shirt, and a grey trucker cap, left the stage amidst thunderous applause. But the energy in the stadium remained unquenched. And then, after what seemed an eternity, Wallen reappeared wearing a Hendon Hooker number 12 Detroit Lions jersey. The crowd’s response was explosive, accompanying his renditions of “Heartless,” “Last Night,” and “Whiskey Glass,” with a spectacular firework finale that rocked the stadium.

Morgan Wallen bringing out the Hendon Hooker jersey last night 🔥🙌🏻 @Lions pic.twitter.com/eGVQkvHBdH

— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) June 30, 2023

Even though there are several former Vols on the Lions’ roster, Wallen’s choice of Hooker’s jersey gave the evening a unique resonance. It was a nod not only to Hooker’s talent, who was an impressive third-round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, but also to the bond he shared with the country star as fellow Tennessee natives. Even Jared Goff, the Lions’ starting quarterback, has only had words of admiration for the young Hooker, describing him as “a great kid” that is “fun to have in the room.” Wallen’s tribute served as the perfect underscore to an already unforgettable night.

A Musical Curveball: ’98 Braves

In a playful twist to the night, Wallen struck a chord of nostalgia for me as he introduced one of the songs on his setlist. “I know we’re in a football stadium,” Wallen quipped, his Tennessee drawl filling the air, “but I’m gonna sing a song about baseball.”

Indeed, there he was, standing in his first-ever performance in a pro football stadium, about to serenade the crowd with a love song dedicated to a baseball team. It was a bold choice, but one that was uniquely Wallen. And the song wasn’t just any tune about baseball – it was an homage to the ‘98 Braves, a team he (and I) grew up watching and adoring.

The heartfelt lyrics painted a picture of love and loss, analogizing it with the ups and downs of a baseball game:

Yea, you win some and lose some, it ain’t always home runs,

And that’s just the way life plays…

If we were a team and love was a game, we’d been the ’98 Braves.

A tribute to notable players like Andruw and Chipper Jones, ‘them big three pitchers’ (Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine), and the heartbreaking losses to the San Diego Padres, the performance was as unexpected as it was poignant. Even in a football stadium, Wallen proved that music, much like sports, knows no bounds.