Ed Sheeran to Perform at NFL 2021 Kickoff Experience in Tampa

Ed Sheeran is an avowed football fan, but next month the Ipswitch Town FC shirt sponsor will be on the sidelines rooting for the men in pads and helmets as part of the kick-off to the upcoming NFL season. The league announced on Friday (Aug. 6) that Sheeran will be part of the 2021 Kickoff Experience ahead of the season opening game between the Dallas Cowboys and defending Super Bowl champs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 9.

Sheeran posted a video teaser to accompany the announcement, in which he takes a seat on a couch with Dallas QB Dak Prescott and Bucs QB Tom Brady’s jerseys hanging on a rack behind him. “Someone sent me these jerseys and now this is happening…” reads the caption to the clip, in which keeps hearing the NFL theme song every time he cracks open the lid of his guitar case.

The party will begin at noon ET at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park and feature football-themed interactive games, photo opportunities and other activities throughout the day, according to a press release from the league. Portions of Sheeran’s performance — slated for 7 p.m. ET — will air on NBC during the NFL Network’s pregame coverage.