Hank Williams Jr. Teams With Florida Georgia Line, Jason Derulo for New ‘Monday Night Football’ Theme
Hank Williams Jr. is returning to ESPN for Monday Night Football, and he's bringing all of his rowdy friends with him. Hip-hop artist Jason Derulo and country duo Florida Georgia Line will help Williams Jr. revive "All My Rowdy Friends Are Here on Monday Night," the country icon and the TV network announced on Wednesday (June 7), bringing the theme song back after a six-year hiatus.
“I started in 1989, when ABC was celebrating the 20th season of Monday Night Football," Williams Jr. says in a press release. “It soon became a staple that fans grew to expect and wanted to see and hear. I am thrilled to be back and bring the fans such a new and dynamic rendition of this anthem. Are You Ready for Some Football? 'Cause I sure am!”
Williams Jr.'s Monday Night Football theme song earned the artist four Grammy Awards between 1991 and 1994, and created a cult following.
"We all grew up watching Monday Night Football, and it's surreal to join Jason Derulo and Hank Williams Jr. on this new version that gives a nod back but also a step forward!" says FGL's Brian Kelly. Adds Tyler Hubbard, "This is a huge honor to be a part of such a legendary song and night!"
Country Stars Who Played Football
The new, collaborative version of "All My Rowdy Friends Are Here on Monday Night" will debut on Sept. 11, the opening night of MNF.
“It’s truly momentous to be featured in the Monday Night Football anthem for the upcoming season," Derulo says. "I feel the opening song sets the tone and energizes the fans before kickoff, and this year I’m putting my swag on it.”
In 2011, following more than two decades of working together, ESPN and Williams Jr. ended their relationship after Williams Jr., during a TV appearance, said that then-President Obama's golf game with then-Republican House Speaker John Boehner was "one of the biggest political mistakes ever … like Hitler playing golf with [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu!” ESPN Senior Vice President of Events and Studio Production Stephanie Druley is prepared for some backlash as a result of Williams Jr.'s return to Monday Night Football, but "not concerned" about it.
"It was the right time," Druley adds. "We discussed it internally, and it was just the right time to bring him back."
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