If you’ve tuned into ESPN lately, you probably noticed the vibe has changed. Gone are the days of a lone country star shouting about rowdy friends. Instead, we’ve got something moodier, heavier, and honestly, way more cinematic.
So, who sings Monday Night Football theme right now?
The answer is actually a power trio. As of the 2025-2026 season, the Monday Night Football anthem is a reimagined version of Phil Collins’ "In the Air Tonight," performed by country legend Chris Stapleton, hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg, and world-renowned drummer Cindy Blackman Santana.
It’s a massive departure from the past. For decades, the "rowdy" energy defined Monday nights. Now, it’s all about the slow-build tension of that iconic drum fill.
Why the "In the Air Tonight" Cover is Different
ESPN didn't just pick a random song. They tapped into a specific kind of nostalgia. "In the Air Tonight" has been a locker room staple for years. Players like Ray Lewis and Hines Ward have famously used it to "get in the zone" before games.
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The current version splits the labor perfectly:
- Chris Stapleton handles the gritty, soulful vocals that carry the main melody.
- Snoop Dogg adds new, football-centric verses that bring a modern, rhythmic flow to the track.
- Cindy Blackman Santana (who has toured with Lenny Kravitz for years) is the one absolutely crushing that legendary drum break.
Basically, they wanted a sound that felt like a "big event" rather than just a party. It’s dark. It’s intense. It fits the "MNF City" aesthetic that the network has been pushing lately.
What Happened to Hank Williams Jr.?
You can’t talk about the Monday Night Football theme without mentioning Bocephus. For most fans over the age of 30, Hank Williams Jr. is the sound of Monday night. His song, "All My Rowdy Friends Are Here on Monday Night," debuted in 1989 and ran for over 20 years.
It wasn't a smooth ride, though.
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ESPN dropped him in 2011 after he made some highly controversial political comments on Fox & Friends. They brought him back in 2017, trying to recapture that old-school magic, but the reunion didn't last. By 2020, the network moved on for good. They cited a desire to shift the tone during the pandemic, but the reality is that the "rowdy party" vibe just didn't align with the network's new creative direction.
The Evolution of the Theme (1970–Present)
People often forget that the music has changed a lot more than we realize. It hasn't always been superstars and music videos.
The Orchestral Roots
In the early days (the 1970s), the theme was a funky orchestral track called "Score," composed by Charles Fox. It felt very "70s cop show." In 1976, they switched to the iconic instrumental we still hear today during highlights: "Heavy Action" by Johnny Pearson.
Even though we have the Stapleton/Snoop anthem now, "Heavy Action" is still used. It’s those "da-da-da-da" horns that play when they show the upcoming schedule or go to commercial. It’s the DNA of the broadcast.
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The Experimental Years
Before landing on the current trio, ESPN tried a few other things:
- Little Richard: In 2020, they used a version of "Rip It Up" featuring Butcher Brown. It was cool, but it didn't quite "stick" with the audience long-term.
- Marshmello: In 2022, the EDM producer did a modern remix of "Heavy Action." It was an attempt to skew younger, but many traditional fans found it a bit jarring.
- Carrie Underwood: While she is the face of Sunday Night Football on NBC, people constantly confuse the two. She sings "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night," a riff on Joan Jett’s "I Hate Myself for Loving You." She has never been the official voice of the Monday night slot.
Why Chris Stapleton Works
Honestly, Stapleton was a safe but brilliant bet for ESPN. He has massive "crossover" appeal. Country fans love him because he’s authentic, and rock/blues fans respect his vocal range.
After his viral National Anthem performance at Super Bowl LVII, the network knew he was the right choice. He brings a level of "gravitas" that a pop star or a traditional country singer might lack. When he growls "I can feel it coming in the air tonight," it actually feels like something big is about to happen on the field.
Is This the Permanent Theme?
In the world of TV rights and branding, "permanent" is a strong word. However, the Stapleton/Snoop/Santana collab has been renewed for the 2025-2026 cycle because the ratings and "vibe checks" from fans have been high.
It solves a problem for ESPN. It bridges the gap between the older generation who wants grit and the younger generation who wants a high-production, cinematic feel.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you're looking to add the current Monday Night Football anthem to your workout playlist, you won't find a "single" version on Spotify in the traditional sense, as it’s a broadcast-specific edit. However, you can find the full music video on ESPN’s YouTube channel or watch the "making of" featurette which dives into how Dave Cobb produced the track. If you miss the old-school feel, "Heavy Action" by Johnny Pearson is available on most streaming platforms under various "TV Theme" compilations.