The Detroit Lions just handed Eminem a consulting gig. Conservative sports commentator Jason Whitlock strongly disagrees with the idea. He didn’t waste too much time, unleashing a wave of criticism over the franchise’s decision to partner with the rap icon.
Whitlock’s latest target? The Lions’ Thursday announcement that Eminem and Paul Rosenberg will consult on their annual Thanksgiving halftime shows through 2027. As Whitlock clapped back brutally at the move, his followers also joined in the chorus of backlash.
Jason Whitlock Claps Back at Detroit Lions’ Partnership with Rapper Eminem
Eminem will help shape Lions Thanksgiving Day halftime entertainment for the next three years. The hometown hero gets to put his stamp on one of the NFL’s biggest annual showcases.
Whitlock didn’t waste time firing his bullet. He has long called rappers like Eminem “lyrical p*rnogr**hers,” comparing them to figures like Hugh Hefner and Larry Flynt. He argues their music promotes violence and misogyny.
“Lyrical p*rnogr**hers are the leading consultants for halftime entertainment. Hugh Hefner died too soon. He would probably be commissioner of the NFL today,” Whitlock tweeted to clap back Lions’ move.
Lyrical pornographers are the leading consultants for halftime entertainment. Hugh Hefner died too soon. He would probably be commissioner of the NFL today. https://t.co/OjGuxPsaaL
— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) November 13, 2025
The blast fits Whitlock’s pattern of attacking pop culture figures in sports. The Lions-Eminem partnership checked every box for a classic Whitlock rant. He’s built his brand on controversial takes that target progressive movements and mainstream entertainment.
Eminem was a relatively easy choice for the franchise’s brand promotion. He’s repped the Lions and Detroit sports his entire career. The rapper grew up in the city’s toughest neighborhoods. His loyalty to Motor City teams never wavered even when the Lions bottomed out.
The consulting role isn’t a formal executive position. The Lions want Eminem’s cultural cache to boost their brand and connect with younger fans. He’ll help pick halftime performers and shape the gameday vibe at Ford Field.
But Whitlock sees it differently. He views the partnership as another example of the NFL embracing artists whose lyrics glorify destructive behavior. The 58-year-old just pulled the trigger. His fans did the rest of the job against Lions-Eminem’s partnership.
Fans Split Over Whitlock’s Eminem Criticism
Folks erupted after Whitlock’s wild comments. Many on social media sided with the controversial commentator’s stance on the partnership.
One fan wrote, “As a somewhat civilized society, we should do everything possible to erase Eminem from our memory banks lol.”
Another questioned the Lions’ judgment, penning, “Are they this desperate to attract fans?”
A third claimed, “Eminem has many times said very vile things about white people.”
“Disgraceful,” a fourth noted bluntly.
A fifth added, “All the gambling stuff, the job could be open soon!” The reference appeared to mock the NFL’s embrace of sports betting while criticizing the Eminem hire.
However, the backlash wasn’t universal. A handful of Lions fans defended their superfan’s long connection to Detroit. While Whitlock was only concerned about the rap star’s lyrics, some highlighted Eminem’s charitable work in Detroit and his role in putting the city on the cultural map.
The Lions are likely not answering Whitlock since they gave their own boy to promote the brand on Thanksgiving. Ford Field will rock to his influence for years to come.
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