Sponsored by Febreze, The Players Choir was a crowd favorite during their ESSENCE main stage ‘Sunday service’ performance, which entertained festival goers through spirited musical selections of “All in His Hands,” “Who’s on the Lord’s Side,” “ It’s Time” and “Lovely Day.” Photo Credit:

NEW ORLEANS - Fifteen former and active NFL players from the iconic performance group The Players Choir captivated audiences in a series of performances and appearances during the 30th Annual ESSENCE Festival of Culture. Sponsored by Febreze, The Players Choir was a crowd favorite during their ESSENCE main stage ‘Sunday service’ performance, which entertained festival goers through spirited musical selections of “All in His Hands,” “Who’s on the Lord’s Side,” “ It’s Time” and “Lovely Day.”

“The members of the Players Choir were honored to join Febreze to celebrate Black women and Black excellence during the 30th Anniversary of the Essence Festival of Culture,” said Bryan Scott, Walter Payton Man of the Year (2012) and former defensive back with the Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, and New Orleans Saints. “The energy from the crowd was electric, and we appreciate so many people waking up early on a Sunday morning to come and praise the Lord with us. It was the perfect way to close out an incredible weekend of fellowship.”

Earlier in the weekend, the Players Choir joined National Urban League President Marc H. Morial at the NUL 5th Annual Women in Harmony Luncheon. The choir serenaded the event honorees Faith Jenkins, Tracey Edmonds, Bevy Smith, and Lisa Price in celebration of their esteemed careers and significant contributions to the community.

In addition to their performances, the Players Choir participated in meet-and-greets at the Febreze booth at EFOC, delighting excited fans throughout the weekend. They also performed for Procter & Gamble North America President Monica Turner, who praised the choir, noting their beautiful song and the joy they brought to the brand activation.

This event marks the final stop on The Players Choir’s Fresh As Febreze Tour, which began at the CBS Presents The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Anniversary Special and continued with a performance at the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. The tour has been a tremendous success, showcasing the choir’s talent and their partnership with Febreze.



Since its inception in 2008, the Players Choir has become synonymous with moving performances during the biggest weekend in sports, the annual Super Bowl Weekend. Executive Producer Melanie Few, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration founder, said the group is already preparing to return to New Orleans with a slate of new performances for the 2025 Super Bowl LIX.

“The Players Choir is another way for these talented athletes to give back to their community and use their skills outside of football to bring joy to fans of all ages,” said Few. “Our goal is to inspire audiences with a message of unity, love, and hope through the universal power of music.”

For more information and updates, visit playerschoir.com or follow the choir on social media @PlayersChoir.

For interview opportunities, please contact:

Alonda Thomas | FrontPage Firm |Alonda@frontpagefirm.com

Tosha Whitten | FrontPage Firm | Tosha@frontpagefirm.com

Led by Grammy-winning Gospel producer Myron Butler and choir director Demarcus Williams, the current and former NFL Players who make up the choir bring a wealth of talent and passion to their performances. Pictured above (bottom row, left to right): Michael Gaines, Carolina Panthers; Dwayne Wright, Buffalo Bills; Stephen Pierce, Cleveland Browns; KeShun Freeman, New Orleans Saints; Cameron Newton, Atlanta Falcons; Mike Martin, Cincinnati Bengals; Bryant McKinnie, Vikings, Ravens; Tommie Harris, Chicago Bears; (top row) Markquese Bell, Dallas Cowboys; Williams; Bryan Scott, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons; Willie Yarbary, LA Chargers; Tully Banta-Cain, New England Patriots; Nathan Palmer, 49ers, Broncos; Olrick Johnson, New England Patriots; and Jamon Brown, Los Angeles Rams.

Moment captured at the ESSENCE Festival Sunday Service, where The Players Choir shared the stage with the inspiring DeVon Franklin.

The Players Choir with Febreze Brand Manager Keri Quillen and Wayne Brady backstage at ESSENCE Festival Sunday Service.

Fifteen former and active NFL players from the iconic performance group The Players Choir captivated audiences in a series of performances and appearances during the 30th Annual ESSENCE Festival of Culture.

The Players Choir with gospel singer Koryn Hawthorne backstage at ESSENCE Festival Sunday Service.

The Players Choir captured onstage by Getty Images during ESSENCE Festival Sunday Service.

The Players Choir captures selfies with Wayne Brady backstage at ESSENCE Festival Sunday Service.

Pictured (Clockwise from top left): The Players' Choir delights excited fans at the Febreze booth during Essence Festival, and join Luke James for a quick social media post. The players gather for a group photo in the Febreze booth, and meet with Procter & Gamble executives, including P&G North America President Monica Turner.

30th Anniversary Essence Festival Social Media Highlights – From the main stage to the Febreze booth, check out unforgettable moments with The Players Choir at the Essence Festival of Culture. #PlayersChoir #EssenceFest2024

On the Red Carpet: Members of the Players Choir striking a pose on the red carpet, capturing the excitement of the National Urban League 5th Annual Women in Harmony Luncheon where they celebrated honorees Faith Jenkins, Tracey Edmonds, Bevy Smith, and Lisa Price with a soulful serenade.

The Players Choir shares a joyous moment with honoree Bevy Smith backstage at ESSENCE Music Festival, celebrating her achievements and the vibrant spirit of the festival.

The Players Choir shares a moment with recording artist MAJOR at the NUL Women in Harmony Awards Luncheon, celebrating powerful women in business.

National Urban League President Marc H. Morial joins the Players Choir at the 5th Annual NUL Women in Harmony Awards Luncheon.

Interview with Meta Washington: The Players Choir shares insights and experiences with Meta Washington from SIRIUS XM's Kirk Franklin's Praise Radio during an engaging interview at ESSENCE Festival.

The Players Choir captures a memorable moment with Gospel superstar Anthony Brown and SiriusXM producer Tracey Jordan backstage at ESSENCE Festival, celebrating their shared love for music. 

Pictured clockwise from top left: The Players Choir engages in thoughtful interviews in the ESSENCE Festival press room, strikes a pose for photographers and enjoys a fun moment connecting with comedian Jay Pharoah from SNL, blending music and comedy in one frame.

For sixteen years, The Players Choir has been a standout at the annual Super Bowl Weekend, captivating audiences with their soulful performances. Originating in 2008 during the 9th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC) in Phoenix, Arizona, the choir began with over 40 active and former NFL players. Founded by Super Bowl Gospel Celebration Founder and Executive Producer Melanie Few, The Players Choir the choir has garnered widespread popularity performing at prestigious events and charitable functions and includes NFL stars, Super Bowl Champions, Pro Bowlers, NFL Men of the Year, and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees. The choir has showcased their musical prowess at the prestigious NFL Honors ceremony in 2023 and 2024, broadcast on NBC and CBS respectively, as well as various NFL games and charitable events benefiting organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the American Cancer Society, and the Dak Prescott Foundation. Led by Grammy-winning Gospel producer Myron Butler and choir director Demarcus Williams, the current and former NFL players who make up the choir bring a wealth of talent and passion to their performances. 

To stay up to date with the latest Players Choir news and activities, please follow them on social @PlayersChoir.

For interview opportunities, please contact:

Alonda Thomas | FrontPage Firm | Alonda@frontpagefirm.com

Tosha Whitten | FrontPage Firm | Tosha@frontpagefirm.com