NFL enthusiasts were left thoroughly unimpressed by Nathaniel Rateliff's rendition of the national anthem prior to the AFC Championship clash on Sunday. The Denver-based singer-songwriter was bestowed the honour of performing The Star-Spangled Banner ahead of the kickoff between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots. However, his execution failed to resonate with the viewing audience, prompting an immediate and vocal backlash across various social media platforms.
Social Media Erupts with Disapproval
Fans did not hold back in expressing their discontent, flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with scathing critiques. One viewer remarked, 'That was a horrendous performance singing the National Anthem. Good god.' Another posted, 'That national anthem weak as f***. NFL gotta cast better singers. Plenty of other amazing country singers out there.' A third commenter asserted, 'That was top 3 worst national anthem performance I have ever heard. That was so cringe.'
Detailed Criticisms Emerge
The wave of criticism extended beyond general disapproval, with some offering more specific feedback. One fan noted, 'Damn. Nathaniel Rateliff was pitchy as hell on the national anthem. Not even close. I like his music in general but that was awful.' Another likened him to a 'drunk uncle,' while a shocked viewer advised he 'needs to practice more.' Others simply labelled the performance as 'awful,' with one observer quipping, 'the first big surprise of the game is how many people seemed to have enjoyed that rendition of the national anthem.'
Performance Context and Game Aftermath
Despite the barrage of negative feedback, Rateliff's performance evidently energised the home crowd at the stadium, potentially fuelling the Broncos' initial momentum. With starting quarterback Bo Nix sidelined due to a fractured ankle, backup Jarrett Stidham stepped up, connecting with Courtland Sutton for a first-quarter touchdown. This early score provided a glimmer of excitement in a game that continued to unfold amidst the lingering discussion about the pre-game ceremonies.
The incident highlights the intense scrutiny and high expectations surrounding national anthem performances at major sporting events, where even established artists like Rateliff can face swift and severe public judgement. The reaction underscores how such moments become integral to the broader fan experience and narrative of the game itself.
