Twitter reacts to Hank Williams Jr.'s controversial return to MNF intro
Polarizing country music star Hank Williams Jr. made his anticipated return to ESPN's Monday Night Football, and Twitter had a field day.
The new MNF theme - yikes pic.twitter.com/w50PuUVdFv
— The Spun (@TheSpun) September 11, 2017
Prior to the elimination of Williams' introductory musical number in 2011 - following controversial comments he directed at then-United States President Barack Obama - the musician had been a mainstay on the program for more than two decades.
His absence clearly made some grow fonder, as some Twitter users voiced support and excitement for Williams' return.
I'm low key pretty excited to have Hank Williams Jr. back on Monday Night Football.
— Mike Nunn (@NunnBetta) September 11, 2017
Hank Williams jr. is back on Monday Night Football. Can't wait.. #MNF
— The Real Marcus T. ✨ (@MarcusJDTown) September 11, 2017
Pretty ready for Hank Williams Jr y'all. Monday night feels whole again
— Ben On Sports (@benssports) September 11, 2017
I low-key like the new #MondayNightFootball theme song, although I think I'm supposed to be upset it exists
— Scott Millet (@ScottSky) September 11, 2017
WHOOO!! Welcome back to Monday Night @HankJr "Are You Ready for Some Football!"
— Justin Crasto Jr. (@b3nT_JCrasto16) September 11, 2017
There were also many who opposed ESPN's decision to rehire Williams, and some had more colorful takes than others.
Hank Williams is back on Monday Night Football? And ESPN/NFL wonder why they're losing viewers #OutOfTouch #NFL
— Dan Arriola (@Danarriola13) September 11, 2017
disgusted that @espn is bringing back hank williams. will stop watching espn products
— Brett Fraser (@BrettFraser) September 11, 2017
Stupid of @espn to bring back a racist, bigoted individual in Hank Williams Jr.
— Kevin Finch (@kevinfinch23) September 11, 2017
Now that Donald Trump is president, ESPN thought it was safe to bring back Hank Williams Jr.
— Joe Davis (@ByJoeDavis) September 11, 2017
I never thought I'd say that Hank Williams MNF song would sound worse than Carrie Underwood on SNF but this is where we are. #SMH
— Gershon Rabinowitz (@GershOnline) September 11, 2017
How did I survive 10 years without Hank Williams Jr every Monday night? Quite easily, actually #mnf #NOvsMIN
— Dave Huber (@DaveAHuber) September 11, 2017
Joining Williams in the number was country group Florida Georgia Line, along with pop singer Jason Derulo, but some clearly didn't care for the additions.
Was that Chris Brown & a guy from Florida Georgia Line singing the #MNF theme with Hank Williams Jr. on @espn? I'm not up on my pop culture
— Tyson Cremeens (@Tyr0n313) September 11, 2017
No one on planet earth deserved to watch Jason Derulo, Florida Georgia Line, and Hank Williams Jr perform together. #MNF
— Phil Caballeros (@PhilCaballeros) September 11, 2017
Yikes. Tough crowd.