Musician Post Malone's special connection to the Dallas Cowboys shined bright during his halftime show performance. Multiple aspects of the show totally surprised fans
19:46 ET, 27 Nov 2025
PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 01: Post Malone acknowledges the applause of the public after the Austin Post Runway Show on September 01, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)
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Post Malone's recent performance surprised fans due to his new sound(Image: Getty Images)
Post Malone, who is notably a Dallas Cowboys fan, doesn't lock himself into one box when creating music.
The 30-year-old played at the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Dallas Cowboys in Texas. Many were expecting a rap sensation. Instead, he boasted a country sound, which took the crowd by surprise. Many fans believed the new sound suited him better. "Post Malone's country is five billion times better than his rap. Than all rap, honestly," one wrote on X.
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However, he also faced harsh ridicule for tackling the new genre. "Post Malone is the biggest example of a culture vulture I’ve ever seen. Mf big break album was called White Iverson gtfo my face," another fan critiqued. A third said, "Post Malone is a generational culture grifter with country and rap back and forth act."
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"Post Malone is a generational cultural appropriator. He’s got both rap and country under his belt now," another said. Others accused him of cultural appropriation, citing hip hop's roots in Black culture. A fan wrote, "Post Malone really annoys me. I can’t deny he’s got some bops and talent (I Fall Apart is a great song). Yet, he’s a grifter. Used Black culture to come up, then discarded it as soon as he got the chance."
While Post rose in fame due to his rap and hip hop sound, he's no stranger to dabbling across genres. In addition to his recent expansion into country, Post also has a presence in pop music. He collaborated on the song Fortnight with Taylor Swift in 2024 when she released the album The Tortured Poets Department.
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The Thanksgiving performance stunned fans in other ways, too. While on stage, fans noticed he wore a pin with the number 94 on it. The number is that of Marshawn Kneeland, a Dallas Cowboy who died on November 6. Closing his performance, Post said, "We love you, 94. We love you."
Kneeland's death is being investaged as a suicide, according to local authorities. A statement from the football team announced the news, saying, "It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization."
Kneeland failed to stop for a traffic violation around 10:30 p.m. on November 5 and, when authorities lost sight of his vehicle, he crashed. “We’re talking to the girlfriend. She’s trying to call his agent. But we’re trying to get her to call him first. But she’s saying he is armed and has a history of mental illness. And her quote was, ‘He will end it all,’” another dispatcher told officers.
Post Malone halftime show
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Kneeland's death was investigated as a suicide
Post's nod to the Dallas Cowboys' former defensive end in no surprise given the musician's deep roots with the team. While he was born in Syracuse, N.Y., Post was raised in Grapevine, T.X. where his father manage concessions for the team. During his halftime show, Post declared the Cowboys the "best team."
Fans were warmed by Post's decision to honor the late football star, calling it a "beautiful tribute." Another fan added, "The man is a class act." A third said, "Good halftime show by Post Malone. Nice tribute to #94."
Post Malone halftime show
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Post stuck to a country sound for his performance
A fourth said, "Post Malone with the 94 pin on during his performance. Expected him to show love, Respect."
A statement from the NFL on Kneeland's passing offered their condolences and sensitivities. It read, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland. Our thoughts and prayers are with girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources."
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If you are in the United States and struggling with mental health, call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to 988 Lifeline for help.
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