It’s time for the 2025 NFL Draft. If you’re a football enthusiast, you probably don’t need another reason to watch. But even if you aren’t glued to your TV screen every Sunday night, there’s still something for you. Country superstar Brad Paisley will close out the three-day festivities with a headlining concert on Saturday, April 26. And tonight (Thursday, April 24), up-and-coming country-rocker Stephen Wilson Jr. will set the tone with his own rendition of the national anthem.
Kick Off Tonight’s NFL Draft With Stephen Wilson Jr.’s National Anthem
Described as “a mix of Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Cash, singer-songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr. will take the stage at Lambeau Field at 7:45 p.m. Eastern Thursday (April 24) to sing the national anthem ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Videos by American Songwriter
It just wouldn’t be football without “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and Wilson is at the perfect moment in his career to deliver the patriotic tune. His critically acclaimed 2023 album, søn of dad, brought him out of Nashville’s periphery and into clear focus.
@JMV1070 @jakequery @KBowen1070
— Josh Spicer (@joshspicer11) April 24, 2025
Stephen Wilson, Jr. is singing the national anthem tonight before the NFL Draft.
He is from Seymour, Indiana. @SWJMusic
You guys need to get him on your shows. His music is incredible.
More About Tonight’s Performer
Even before he was a microbiologist-turned-musician, Stephen Wilson Jr.’s life traced an unconventional path. Raised in Seymour, Indiana, the “I’m a Song” crooner’s first stage was a boxing ring. Under the watchful eye of his professional boxer father, Stephen Wilson Sr., he eventually worked his way up to Golden Gloves fights.
“Because my dad wasn’t just a fighter,” Wilson Jr. told Holler. “I remember him telling me, ‘I’m going to put on a show for these people.’ It wasn’t like, ‘I’m gonna knock this dude out.’”
After dabbling as a guitarist in the rock band AutoVaughn, Wilson Jr. was doing things the traditional way. He “hunkered down” at a job in the research and development department of Mars’ food-science lab. Still, “I just could not stop writing songs,” he admitted.
Following a candid conversation with his boss, Wilson Jr. decided to break free of the “golden handcuffs” and pursue songwriting full time. And his “Death Cab for Country” brand is certainly making waves.
Featured image by Jason Kempin/Getty Images
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