Post Malone delivered an unforgettable performance during the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving halftime show, marking a deeply personal homecoming for the Texas-raised artist. The performance during the Cowboys versus Kansas City Chiefs game carried special significance, both as a career milestone and a heartfelt tribute to fallen teammate Marshawn Kneeland.
Post Malone’s Deep Cowboys Connection
The 30-year-old music star has been a devoted Cowboys fan since childhood, and his connection to the team runs deeper than most realize. Born Austin Richard Post in Syracuse, New York, he moved to Texas at age nine when his father took a position managing concessions for the Dallas Cowboys.
According to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, young Austin would accompany his father to work and sleep on a cot inside Texas Stadium for several years while his mother completed her shifts. This unique childhood experience planted the seeds for his lifelong passion for America’s Team.
The artist attended Grapevine High School and has consistently shown love for his hometown, including leaving a generous thousand-dollar tip at a local sports bar during a Cowboys game in October. His father, Rich Post, worked 14 Thanksgivings at the stadium before watching his son take center stage at AT&T Stadium.
The Thanksgiving Day Performance Details
Post Malone headlined the 29th annual Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show on November 28, 2024, during the Cowboys-Chiefs matchup at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The performance showcased his musical versatility, blending country, rock, and hip-hop elements.
Setlist Highlights
The halftime show featured three powerful songs:
Wrong Ones – Opening with a track from his country album F-1 Trillion, setting a Texas-appropriate tone for the performance
Wow. – A callback to one of his defining hits, complete with an appearance by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
I Had Some Help – Closing with another F-1 Trillion track, demonstrating his recent country music evolution
The performance represented the culmination of years spent watching this very halftime show as a fan. Post Malone expressed his gratitude, stating he felt honored to participate in the Red Kettle Kickoff and help bring hope to communities nationwide through the Salvation Army’s work.
Honoring Marshawn Kneeland: The 94 Tribute
The performance carried profound emotional weight beyond the music. Post Malone wore a pin bearing the number 94 throughout his set, paying tribute to Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who tragically passed away on November 6, 2024, at age 24.
After completing his performance, Post Malone addressed the crowd with a simple but powerful message: “We love you 94.” This tribute honored Kneeland’s memory and reflected the entire organization’s commitment to remembering their fallen teammate.
Remembering Marshawn Kneeland
Kneeland was a second-round draft pick from Western Michigan in 2024, known for his relentless motor and infectious energy. Just three days before his death, he had scored his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt against the Arizona Cardinals. The 24-year-old defensive end appeared in seven games during the 2024 season, recording one sack and 15 tackles.
His teammates remembered him for constantly chasing the ball, his sense of humor, and his ability to make everyone around him feel valued. The Cowboys have committed to honoring his legacy throughout the remainder of the season, with players dedicating their performances to number 94.
The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
The Thanksgiving halftime show serves a purpose beyond entertainment. It launches the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign, one of the largest and longest-running fundraisers of its kind. Since partnering with the Dallas Cowboys in 1997, the initiative has raised over three billion dollars.
Charlotte Jones, chief brand officer and co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys, emphasized the campaign’s importance, describing it as more than tradition but rather a lifeline that reminds people how small acts of generosity can spark real joy. The 2023 campaign alone provided aid for 27 million people across the United States.
Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander of the Salvation Army, praised the Gene and Jerry Jones Family for their nearly three decades of dedicated partnership, which has helped bring hope and care to vulnerable neighbors nationwide.
Post Malone’s Musical Journey and Accomplishments
The artist has built an impressive career since bursting onto the scene in 2015 with “White Iverson.” His accolades include:
- 18 Grammy Award nominations
- 11 Billboard Music Awards
- Five American Music Awards
- Six MTV Video Music Awards
- Three number-one albums
- Numerous chart-topping singles
Recent years have seen Post Malone embrace his country music roots. His 2024 album F-1 Trillion features collaborations with country legends including Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Dolly Parton. The Big Ass Stadium Tour in support of this album included stops across major venues, concluding with shows at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
A Legacy of Thanksgiving Halftime Performers
Post Malone joined an elite roster of artists who have graced the Cowboys Thanksgiving halftime stage. The tradition began in 1997 with Reba McEntire and has continued with performances from:
- Randy Travis
- Destiny’s Child
- Sheryl Crow
- Carrie Underwood
- Kelly Clarkson
- Enrique Iglesias
- Selena Gomez
- Jonas Brothers
- Luke Combs
- Dolly Parton (2023)
- Lainey Wilson (2023)
Each performer has contributed to making the Cowboys Thanksgiving game a must-watch television event that extends beyond football.
Cowboys-Chiefs Game Context
The halftime show occurred during a pivotal matchup between two storied franchises. The game marked only the second time in 30 years that the Cowboys and Chiefs faced each other on Thanksgiving, with quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes leading their respective teams.
The Cowboys entered the game seeking momentum during their season, while the defending champion Chiefs continued their pursuit of another successful campaign. The contest provided the perfect backdrop for Post Malone’s emotionally charged performance.
Fan Reception and Social Media Response
The performance resonated deeply with fans both in attendance and watching from home. Social media platforms filled with clips of the halftime show, with particular attention paid to the Marshawn Kneeland tribute. Viewers appreciated Post Malone’s genuine connection to the team and his heartfelt acknowledgment of the fallen defensive end.
Many fans commented on the full-circle nature of the performance, noting how remarkable it was that the young boy who once slept in Texas Stadium had returned to perform on one of the NFL’s biggest stages. The authenticity of his Cowboys fandom shone through every moment of the presentation.
Looking Forward
Post Malone’s Thanksgiving halftime show will be remembered as more than just another performance. It represented a homecoming, a tribute, and a continuation of the Cowboys’ proud Thanksgiving tradition. The artist’s journey from sleeping in the old stadium to commanding the stage at AT&T Stadium embodies the American dream and provides inspiration for young artists and Cowboys fans everywhere.
As the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign continues throughout the holiday season, the performance serves as a rallying cry for charitable giving and community support. The combination of world-class entertainment and meaningful fundraising ensures that the Cowboys Thanksgiving halftime show remains a beloved tradition for years to come.
The tribute to Marshawn Kneeland added profound emotional depth to the event, reminding everyone that football represents more than a game—it’s a brotherhood where teammates become family and legacies extend beyond the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Post Malone a Cowboys fan?
Yes, Post Malone is a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan who grew up in Texas after his family moved there when he was nine years old.
What songs did Post Malone perform at the Cowboys halftime show?
He performed “Wrong Ones,” “Wow.,” and “I Had Some Help” during his Thanksgiving Day halftime show.
What does the 94 pin represent?
The 94 pin honors Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who passed away on November 6, 2024, at age 24.
Where is Post Malone from?
Post Malone was born in Syracuse, New York, but was raised in Grapevine, Texas, where he attended high school.
What is Post Malone’s connection to his dad and the Cowboys?
His father worked as the concessions manager for the Dallas Cowboys, and young Austin would sleep in Texas Stadium while his father worked.
When was the Cowboys Thanksgiving halftime show?
The halftime show took place on November 28, 2024, during the Cowboys versus Chiefs game at AT&T Stadium.
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