Entertainers have long been synonymous with the opening montage for NFL games. This season, fans will take center stage in the primetime television pageantry, joined by Grammy Award-winning artist Cee Lo Green, who will sing NFL Network's new "Thursday Night Football" anthem with the fans.
The 90-second show opener for each Thursday night game will feature fan-sourced videos uploaded by fans performing Cee Lo Green's new "Fanthem" (fan anthem) entitled "I Love Football," set to The Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop."
"It's finally that time again ... and I really love my football," Green said. "The NFL always brings us the biggest and brightest entertainment spectacle in sports and now with 'Fanthem,' NFL Network gives loyal fans the chance to participate! I'm honored to help create such a historic, pop-culture moment and interactive fan experience."
Each "Thursday Night Football" game will feature fan videos specific to that night's matchup, starting with Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers fans singing the chorus along with Green for the first game on Sept. 13, when the Bears visit the Packers at 8 p.m. ET.
"We are excited to introduce 'Fanthem,' which will increase our interaction and engagement with Thursday Night Football viewers far beyond the game telecast," said Mark Quenzel, NFL Network senior vice president of programming and production. "Our fans come first and we expect the incredible passion for their teams to show in their 'Fanthem' submissions via NFL.com, NFL Mobile, and social media."
Fans who want to submit their videos to be considered for the opening montage can go to www.nfl.com/fanthem. Fans whose videos are included in the final show open will automatically be notified by email so they can share the news with fellow fans and tune into the broadcast.