The Time Taylor Swift Sang At The Lions Thanksgiving Game

A lot has changed since 2006. We've had four different Presidents since that year. We've got new social media, new ways to watch movies and shows, and more. However, one thing that remains the same? Taylor Swift is the talk of the NFL. Remember when she sang the National Anthem before the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day game?

It was a different time. However, Taylor was still a big star. At that time, she was more of a star in the making. In 2006, Taylor only had only one album out--her debut self-titled album.

It's crazy to look back and see a young Taylor Swift with curly hair performing her rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. She was only 16 years old at the time, but it was clear that a successful career was ahead of her. Could you imagine being out there performing in front of millions on a national holiday at only 16? I certainly can't.

Here in Detroit, we aren't the only ones who remember that day. Taylor remembered it fondly during her Ford Field stop on her massive Eras Tour. She recalled on Instagram saying, "Ahhhhh Detroit that was so much fun!! First time I performed at Ford Field was singing the anthem there in 2006 and I remember thinking it felt impossible for a place to be that big. I was sooo insanely nervous..."

Ford Field didn't seem to forget about it, either. Leading up to the show, they Tweeted out a photo of Taylor getting ready to perform and she's standing next to somebody very familiar. Take a look below.

That's right! It's Dan Campbell! At the time, he was a Tight End for the Detroit Lions. Now, fast forward 17 years and they were both back at Ford Field. Her for a performance, and he's there all the time as our Head Coach. I love that they were able to find this picture. Perfect timing. I suppose you could say picture perfect.

Taylor Swift isn't the only big name to perform at a Lions game on Thanksgiving. Several big stars in music have performed at halftime of the game since then. I remember Detroit's own Kid Rock playing half time one year. Recently, another Detroit native performed as well in Big Sean. This year, we will see Jack Harlow perform at halftime. He's not from Detroit, but still worth watching. This Thanksgiving, we won't see Taylor Swift performing in front of the Lions crowd...but we'll always have 2006.

It has to be a very surreal moment for Swift. At the time, this was one of the biggest moments in her career. Then, to come back 17 years later with one of the biggest tours we've ever seen. She made it happen. In 2006, she was merely a part of the event. In 2023, she is the event. I'd be highly surprised if anyone in the crowd that night in 2006 was there for Taylor Swift. Now, she's selling out the entire stadium...and they are all there for her.

You can watch Taylor Swift perform the National Anthem ahead of the Detroit Lions game on Thanksgiving Day in 2006 here.

The Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce romance continues, and more cute photos of them emerged this weekend.

They already had what some call a “hard launch” of their relationship when they showed on on Saturday Night Live last week. Taylor has been to four Kansas City Chiefs games. She went to the first one against the Bears in Arrowhead, then went to the Chiefs/Jets game when they played at Met Life Stadium, and then she was at the Thursday night game when the Chiefs played the Broncos and the Chiefs vs Chargers game yesterday.

It was a whirlwind few weeks for Taylor, as her movie, officially called Taylor Swift: The Ears Tour Movie broke major records. I got to see it yesterday and it’s incredible. Also, make a note that it is three hours long just like the real concert. Taylor was in LA for the Eras Tour Movie premiere then she flew right to Kansas City Thursday morning for Travis’ game on Thursday night. Then they flew to NYC together, stayed there for the weekend. She then flew from NYC to LA and Travis went from LA to Philly for the Phillies game with Jason Kelce and then back to Kansas City just in time to record his "New Heights" podcast on Tuesday, which comes out on Wednesdays.

And to think, it all started when Taylor Swift brought The Eras Tour to Arrowhead in Kansas City, Travis revealed on his New Heights podcast that he went to the show and that he made her a friendship bracelet with this phone number. He wanted to give it to her, but unfortunately, she didn’t meet him. Turns out she did meet him after all. In fact, during a press conference this week, Travis said he had the mustache the first time he met Taylor, which means if you're following the timeline of their relationship, they met in the beginning of August. Check out the adorable pics  below.

Travis Kelce's stats since Taylor coming to his games is insane. He's averaging over 100 yards in receptions a game, which is beyond impressive, especially that he's almost 34. Andy Reid loves it so much, he said Taylor is welcome anytime she wants.

You can tell the more games she goes to, the more she gets into it.  I know people say she's an Eagles fan and I'm sure she is, but I don't think she's never been a football fan.  You can tell she's learning, which is fun to watch.

GAH! How cute!  Taylor is wearing a friendship bracelet with 87 on it.  87 is obviously Travis' number.  Reportedly, Patrick Mahomes mom got her the bracelet as a welcome to Chiefs Kingdom gift.  So thoughtful!

I definitely couldn't wait to see them leave the stadium together and they didn't disappoint in their matching red gear speeding off in a getaway CART.  Ha.  Compared to the Getaway Car they drove off in when she was first stopped at his game in September.

Here, they are at a party, which is reportedly at Travis' House. They seem to be watching the Eagles game. And Taylor plants a cute kiss on his cheek.

Andy Reid is on board with Taylor and Travis. Travis' stats since he started dating Taylor are insane. Andy said in the press conference after the game, "Kelce keeps getting better with time. Taylor can stay around all she wants."

It's crazy that Taylor is dating someone who does his own press conferences and has a super popular podcast. Travis spoke to the media in Kansas City last week and he was asked if people are going to dress like him for Halloween, and what they should wear. He didn't disappoint.

Were you there in 2006? Tell us about it in the comments!