The last time Troy Aikman came anywhere close to being associated with Jay-Z and Beyoncé was just a year ago when the three-time Super Bowl champion called the game during the NFC Conference Championship between the Atlanta Falcons and the Green Bay Packers. Apparently, there was a meme that went viral where both Jay-Z and Aikman looked notoriously similar, literal look-alikes! Now, in the final weeks of the regular season, Christmas Day in the NFL had a special something from Beyoncé, a halftime performance for the Houston Texans-Baltimore Ravens game that Netflix dubbed “Beyoncé Bowl.” And just like each one of you who tuned in to be a part of the 27+ million viewers, the most-watched Christmas Day NFL game on record since 2001, Aikman too couldn’t just let this slide! Why wouldn’t he? Talk about the hype!

It’s one thing to tease viewers when Netflix decided to simply cross-promote her videos on social media but it’s another to see Netflix temporarily changing its X profile bio to “roasted by Beyoncé 12.24.24” when Beyoncé did, in fact, poke fun at streaming issues Netflix has had before.

Wednesday marked the first time Beyoncé performed songs from her hit 2024 album “Cowboy Carter” in front of a live audience. She began her performance on horseback, riding as she sang “16 Carriages”. After dismounting with cars arranged in the background, she began her cover of The Beatles’ classic hit “Blackbird,” accompanied by country singers Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy and Reyna Roberts. Post Malone was surprise cameo to perform their collaboration “Levii’s Jeans,” following Bey’s duet with country singer Shaboozey. Backed by Texas Southern University’s 200-member Ocean of Soul Marching Band, Beyoncé also performed “Ya Ya”. Her daughter Blue Ivy danced next to her mother during the song “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

Watching the performance on TV, he posted a quick, but telling response to his Instagram story: “Beyoncé!” This moment came while Queen Bey was performing ‘Texas Hold ’Em’. Notably, Beyoncé is no stranger to major NFL-related events. The Grammy-winner headlined the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans and joined Coldplay and Bruno Mars on the field during the 2016 Super Bowl show. She also used an ad spot that aired during the 2024 Super Bowl to announce “Cowboy Carter,” the highly anticipated “Act II” follow-up to her 2023 album “Renaissance.”

Beyoncé’s show already hyped fans, and NFL players felt the same. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, in particular, couldn’t hide his excitement for the Queen’s live performance, even with a big game ahead against the Texans. In the end, the Ravens dominated the game, with Jackson leading his team to a 31-2 win over rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans. But, turns out Lamar Jackson didn’t actually watch Beyoncé’s halftime show—he just heard it!

Lamar Jackson misses Beyoncé’s Halftime Show in a surprising twist

Yep, you read that right. Fans were totally caught off guard, especially since Lamar seemed so hyped about catching her performance live before the Christmas Day game. At a press conference leading up to it, the Ravens QB couldn’t hide his excitement, joking, “First time seeing Beyoncé perform, and it’s at our game?! That’s dope.” He even added, “I’m gonna go out and watch. Sorry, Harbaugh, sorry. Sorry, fellas.” Guess plans changed!

However, Jackson’s comments about watching Beyoncé’s halftime show seemed more playful than literal. According to CBS Sports, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh made it clear that the star quarterback needed to stay laser-focused during halftime, ensuring no distractions interfered with his game plan. True to form, Jackson embraced the moment, staying in the zone and fully engaged in strategizing for the crucial second half. His unwavering focus paid off, as he delivered a performance that not only showcased his athletic prowess but also reinforced his role as a leader on the field.

And what a performance by Lamar on Christmas Day! The two-time NFL MVP delivered a stellar showing, scoring two touchdowns and solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic players. Jackson’s dazzling plays have tied him for the top spot in quarterback touchdown scoring this season, keeping him a strong contender for his third MVP title. The Ravens, meanwhile, are eyeing a playoff spot, but the question remains: Can Lamar Jackson clinch the MVP award once again?