Touchdown Tunes: Songs to Add to Your Football Favorites Mix

Like Eminem once warned—“You better lose yourself in the music, the moment…”—and game day is that moment.

Courtesy of Erik Drost

Music is arguably the best thing to have been invented. No matter your emotion, there’s a song out there to help you out, and game days are full of emotions. Whether you’re buzzing with pre-game excitement, riding the highs and lows during the game, or celebrating victory (or mourning defeat) after the final whistle, there’s a song for that. I’ve compiled a short playlist with songs for every occasion and feeling during game day, with recommendations from your favorite players and teams, to create the perfect NFL playlist.

New York City Rage Fest - Kid Cudi

A Joe Burrow favorite. While this tune is more musical than lyrical, I see the vision. This addition is a good beat to calm the nerves after a wild play, maybe or get in the zone right before the start of the game. 

NO BYSTANDERS - Travis Scott

Ever wonder how Patrick Mahomes gets in the zone? Here’s your answer. The last song he listens to before hitting the field; it’s catchy, fast-paced and lyrical. I see this being played to get pumped up for a showdown game. It could also work well at halftime, right before the game picks up again. It’s the definition of “Lock In.”

Courtesy of Beats by Dre

Better Man - Pearl Jam

While he doesn’t specify a specific genre or song by each artist, Tom Brady’s playlist features a mix of different genres and artists. Pearl Jam stood out to me, and something about “Better Man” makes me think this might make the cut. I told you this list wouldn’t have a theme. It starts slow, picks up the pace and becomes a classic oldie to vibe to. It’s a feel-good song to play during warmups as you anticipate the game to come.

Shout - The Isley Brothers

Calling all Bills fans! We know you like to put your twist on this song during game day, but maybe you’d like to hear the original? Or just shout “Bills” over it, you decide! Have fun listening to this upbeat song during good plays at home, but if you get the chance to see a game live, you’ll typically hear it after touchdowns, wins or during the fourth quarter. “The Bills make me wanna shout!”

Mr. Brightside - The Killers 

Another signature song for Buffalo. Dalton Kincaid requested Mr. Brightside during a game against the Cowboys last December, and it’s now a staple for the Bills. Played in the final quarter, it’s a well-known motivator for the team, as it should be for you too! A little pop/punk to liven up the game is always a great way to celebrate (or turn that frown upside down).

Courtesy of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Thunderstruck - AC/DC

How could this one not be included? I know we all binge-watched “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” on Netflix, and if you didn’t, go do it right now! The girls’ signature performance is to the song “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC, and Cowboys fans go crazy for it. If you’re looking for additional “super fan” points, try learning the girls’ dance to the song. Either way, this will pump everyone up on game day!

Welcome to the Jungle - Guns N’ Roses

A classic pump-up song for any sports fan, but just picture it starting to play after the first touchdown of the game, welcoming the opposing team to the jungle. A mix of rock and a little metal, this song’s got everything you want and can make you taste the bright lights from the seat in your home. 

Lose Yourself - Eminem 

I know we’ve all got this on our workout playlist already, but it’s also perfect for game day. Watching the warmups as the team gets ready to lose themselves in the music, the moment, they want it, and they’ll never let it go. So why don’t you join them? Lock in for game day. Grab that lucky jersey, a bowl of chips and listen to this adrenaline-pumping tune to get ready and “Lose Yourself” in the game.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Don’t Stop The Party - Pitbull

Where are my Dolphins fans at? With Pitbull being a Miami native, and the nature of the party city, there’s no better song for a Fins game. This is the perfect celebration/touchdown/win song for any football playlist. Just remember “que no pare la fiesta” even when times get tough out there. Maybe a little Pitbull is all you need to get the spirits back up! 

Let’s Get It Started - Black Eyed Peas 

This versatile song is great for a quick reset or pump-up. Whether you listen to it before the game or when your team is down by seven, there’s no doubt you’ll start to feel the blood pumping as you get ready to get the good vibes started. 

Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey 

We have enough pump-up songs on this list, so we needed a consoling song. In case you’re having a nervous or sad game, Journey’s got you. We’ve all seen a crazy upset or turn around in the second half, so don’t stop believing in your team; they might just be listening to the same thing before they get back out there.

Courtesy of Apple Music

Not Like Us - Kendrick Lamar 

I know you were waiting to see this one. After this past Super Bowl performance, how can it not be included on this playlist? Not to mention, how pumped up do you get when you hear the opening line? Something to pump you up and raise your spirits for game day, this song is a must-add. 

Honorable Mentions:

Black and Yellow - Wiz Khalifa (a solid addition for all you Steelers fans!)

Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z (I think this is a necessary listen if you’re going to a New York game?)

No matter the mood or the final score, there’s always a song to match. So Don’t Stop Believin’—even when they’re Not Like Us. Just Lose Yourself in the game and Shout like the whole playlist depends on it.

Edited by Madison Roost