Ed Sheeran is taking the stage in front of a different kind of crowd.
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The GRAMMY-winning artist has been tapped by the NFL to help open its 102nd season with a performance at the 2021 Kickoff Experience presented by EA Sports Madden NFL 22 on September 9.
“I'm really excited,” Sheeran shared on TODAY, revealing the big news for the first time. “First time I've done anything really musically for the NFL, and I'm a big fan."
Sheeran’s performance will take place at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa, FL ahead of the NFL season opener. The opportunity to kick-off the game between the Dallas Cowboys and defending Super Bowl champs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a special one for Sheeran, who has been a fan of American football since moving to America in 2013, thanks to some pajamas.
"I came over to America properly and moved here in 2013, moved to Nashville," he said. "I went to Walmart and I bought some pajamas. I just went and bought pajamas ... and I was like, 'What's this symbol?' I found out the symbol was the Tennessee Titans, and I've been a Titans fan ever since."
While Sheeran is scheduled to take the stage around 7pm, the opening day celebrations will run all day long with football-themed interactive games, photo opportunities and other activities beginning at 12pm. A watch party is also scheduled for after Sheeran’s performance.
"It's a big moment for me,” he explained. “I’ve never done anything really with the NFL."
The Kickoff Experience and watch party are free of cost and open to the public. All attending fans are required to download the NFL OnePass app, which will be available in the coming weeks.
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