How Oklahoma Football Will Honor Toby Keith This Season

Toby Keith is deeply missed by fans and peers alike.

This week, NBC aired a special tribute concert titled Toby Keith: American Icon, celebrating Keith’s immense contributions to music and culture. The event featured a slew of prominent artists performing his hits in honor of his memory.

Next up, Keith’s legacy will be commemorated by his home state of Oklahoma and one of his beloved sports teams, the University of Oklahoma Sooners.

Keith, a diehard Sooners fan, was never shy about his loyalty. The University even awarded him an honorary posthumous degree in April.

With the first college football season since Keith’s passing in February, the University of Oklahoma is planning an additional heartfelt tribute for the “Red Solo Cup” singer. The institution announced that a special homage to Keith will take place at each home game this season.

After the third quarter of every game, there will be a large-scale singalong dedicated to Keith. However, the tribute doesn’t end there:

Leah Beasley, the Sooners’ Executive Associate Athletics Director, revealed to the Oklahoman that the tribute will not only include music but will also be accompanied by a video segment that synchronizes with the songs.

Beasley expressed confidence that fans in the stands will actively participate, noting, “It’s not going to be something that we’re going to have to test.”

The specific Toby Keith song for the tribute has not yet been announced, but fans can rest assured it will be a memorable choice from his extensive catalog of more than 40 Top 10 hits.

Toby Keith passed away on February 5, 2024, after battling stomach cancer. He was 62 years old.

In reflecting on Keith’s storied career and the upcoming tributes, it’s clear that his influence on the country music landscape and his community will continue to resonate for years to come.

Source: NBC, The Oklahoman