In a move that has the NFL scratching its head and the internet buzzing, Kid Rock has turned down a $1 million offer to sing the national anthem during the league’s Christmas Day halftime show. While most performers would jump at the opportunity—and the payday—Kid Rock, ever the maverick, declared that his patriotism isn’t for sale.

“I don’t need their money,” the rocker said, his voice echoing with the righteous fury of a man who’s just finished polishing his Harley Davidson. “If they want me to sing the anthem, I’ll do it for free. But I’m not going to let them pay me to censor my love for this country.”

The NFL’s Christmas Day game between the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens is one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Broadcast live on Netflix and local channels, the league planned to make it a festive spectacle, capped off by a Kid Rock performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The league, reportedly still reeling from its decision to bar Beyoncé from performing, thought Kid Rock’s red-blooded, star-spangled persona would be a surefire hit with their audience. But apparently, they miscalculated.

“The NFL wanted me to come in, take their money, and keep my mouth shut,” Kid Rock told reporters outside a Nashville recording studio. “But that’s not how I roll. You want me to sing? Fine. But don’t think you can pay me to tone it down.”

The rocker’s rejection has sparked a flurry of questions, mainly: Why? Kid Rock, however, is nothing if not consistent. “It’s about principle,” he said, brushing aside the idea that he might regret passing up a million-dollar paycheck. “I’ve never sung for a paycheck. I sing for the people. For America.”

Of course, there’s one caveat. “I’d do it for free, but on my terms,” Kid Rock clarified. “No scripts. No woke nonsense. Just me, the flag, and a microphone.”

The NFL now finds itself in a precarious position. Already under fire for its handling of halftime performances and its perceived corporate pandering, the league is struggling to fill the patriotic void left by Kid Rock’s refusal.

“Patriotism doesn’t come cheap,” one league executive reportedly lamented. “But apparently, for Kid Rock, it’s not for sale at all.”

Critics of the league argue that the rejection is emblematic of a larger issue. “The NFL doesn’t understand its audience,” said cultural analyst Mike Donnelly. “They think throwing money at someone like Kid Rock will solve their problems, but they don’t get that authenticity isn’t something you can buy.”

As news of Kid Rock’s rejection spread, his fans—known for their die-hard loyalty—rallied behind him on social media. Hashtags like #RockTheAnthem and #KidRocksAmerica began trending within hours.

“This is why we love him,” one fan tweeted. “He’s not about the money. He’s about the message. And that message is America.”

Even those who aren’t necessarily fans of his music couldn’t help but admire his stand. “Say what you will about Kid Rock,” one user posted, “but turning down $1 million because of principles? That’s rare.”

Not everyone was impressed by Kid Rock’s decision. Detractors accused the rocker of grandstanding, suggesting his refusal was more about publicity than principle.

“This isn’t about patriotism,” one critic wrote on X. “It’s about Kid Rock making himself the story. Typical.”

Others questioned the logic of turning down such a lucrative offer. “Principles are great,” one comment read, “but last I checked, principles don’t pay the bills.”

With Kid Rock out of the picture, the NFL is reportedly scrambling to find a replacement. Rumors suggest they’ve approached country star Luke Bryan and even floated the idea of a holographic Johnny Cash performance. Neither option has been confirmed.