Lainey Wilson Reveals Her Unexpected NFL Pregame Playlist, Featuring Toby Keith and Dolly Parton
When NFL players need music to get fired up before a big game, hard-hitting rock anthems and high-energy rap tracks are often the go-to choices. But country star Lainey Wilson has a different approach. During a recent NFL pregame appearance, she revealed a playlist featuring country classics by Toby Keith and Dolly Parton, along with a track of her own.
Wilson was on hand for the pregame festivities when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traveled to AT&T Stadium to face the Dallas Cowboys. Having performed for the NFL before, the country singer was comfortable in the lively atmosphere, surrounded by fans, announcers and players.
Asked which songs she would choose to motivate a team before kickoff, Wilson offered a selection that reflected her country roots rather than the usual locker-room staples.
Toby Keith’s Country Classic Makes the Cut
Wilson began her playlist with Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” the hit that helped establish the singer as a major name in country music during the 1990s.
Keith’s catalog includes plenty of songs that could suit a competitive atmosphere, from “You Ain’t Much Fun” to “How Do You Like Me Now” and the patriotic anthem “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” Wilson, however, went with the song that became his debut single and one of his signature hits.
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” proved hugely successful when it was released, reaching No. 1 on both the US Hot Country Songs chart and Canada’s country singles chart.
The choice offered a classic country alternative for players looking to get into the right mindset before taking the field.
Dolly Parton and a Little Lainey Wilson
Wilson’s playlist didn’t stop with Toby Keith. She also included Dolly Parton, selecting “Three Doors Down” by the legendary country singer.
The song has attracted praise from listeners who feel it deserves more recognition. One commenter described it as “One of her best and most overlooked songs,” while another enthusiastically declared, “Blasting this party anthem all weekend for the Queen.”
To round out her selections, Wilson added a song of her own: her latest single, “Kinda Love It.”
Released just ahead of the weekend, the track explores the excitement of falling in love and the adventures that come with embracing it wholeheartedly. Including her own music gave the playlist a personal touch while introducing listeners to her newest release.
A Busy Season for Lainey Wilson
The NFL appearance came during another busy period for Wilson, who was preparing to take on hosting duties at the 60th Annual CMA Awards on November 18.
Having hosted the ceremony several times before, she was looking forward to returning to the stage. She also had reason to celebrate as both a nominee and a participant in the evening’s tributes, including the presentation of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award to Brooks & Dunn.
Between her NFL appearance, new music and upcoming awards-show commitments, Wilson had plenty on her schedule. But her pregame playlist offered a glimpse of the country influences she would choose to bring into the locker room—proving that, for her, getting ready for competition can start with a few familiar country favorites.