The countdown is almost over. As the NFL prepares to roll out the red carpet for its 2025 Draft on Thursday night, it’s not just the prospects or team picks generating buzz. The league has officially confirmed its plans for the national anthem performance- and it’s bringing in an artist who knows how to command a stage.
Country singer-songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr. will take center stage at Lambeau Field to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” before making the first selection. With the Tennessee Titans holding the top pick, all eyes will be on the board- but first, they’ll be on Wilson.
The Indiana native shared his excitement on Instagram, writing, “Honored to perform our nation’s anthem this evening at the 2025 NFL Draft.”
From The Lab To The NFL Limelight
Wilson’s road to one of football’s biggest stages didn’t follow a traditional route. Raised in Indiana by a single father and trained as a boxer from seven, Wilson’s path to music ran through science, not just sound. He earned a degree in Microbiology at Middle Tennessee State University before forming indie rock band AutoVaughn and touring globally as lead guitarist. Eventually, his focus shifted from the lab, where he worked in R&D at Mars, to songwriting in Nashville.
Since signing a publishing deal with BMG Nashville in 2016, Wilson has seen his songs recorded by top acts like Brothers Osborne, Old Dominion, and MacKenzie Porter. He’s also carved out his own space with emotionally rich solo tracks, including ” The Devil,” “Year To Be Young 1994,” and “Billy,” the latter of which caught the attention of Billboard.
Stephen Wilson Jr sings National Anthem tonight on ESPN pic.twitter.com/ik92lIYaY9
— PD Ziska (@PdZiska) April 24, 2025
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Tonight, he’ll bring that unique mix of grit, skill, and soul to a live national audience. It’s a major spotlight, and fans of Wilson’s raw, story-driven style are eager to see what he delivers.
The NFL’s choice to feature Wilson reflects its broader effort to blend football with culture during its marquee events. With the draft now a multi-day celebration, the spotlight on music and performance continues to grow.
The 2025 NFL Draft coverage kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC. The first round will run Thursday night, with rounds two through seven continuing into the weekend. But before any name is called, Wilson will make his voice the first one heard, and if his past performances are any clue, it won’t be one fans forget.
Also Read: The 5 Worst Draft Day Trades We Have Ever Seen… And The 5 Best
