The NFL season kicked off Wednesday night, and with it came the traditional pregame national anthem. But instead of a soaring vocal performance, fans were treated to a solo guitar rendition by Pearl Jam's lead guitarist, Mike McCready, at Lumen Field. The reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative.
While a few fans appreciated the artistic flair, the majority took to social media to express their displeasure. Many questioned the league's decision to deviate from the standard solo singer format.
"What is this NFL? I don’t need, or want, some acoustic/signed version of the U.S. national anthem on Opening Night of the 2026 season. Have somebody sing 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' Save Pearl Jam for another occasion," tweeted Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports.
The criticism was relentless. One fan wrote, "You failed America tonight with that horrible electric guiders that disgraced the national anthem." Another added, "Even the players were cringing at that? Whose idea was this to DISRESPECT OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM LIKE THIS?"
Some fans called for a return to tradition, with one demanding, "NO more guitar solo renditions of the national anthem! Singer only! Jim Cornelison!!!" Others were even more blunt, asking, "Has there ever been a more grotesque version of our National Anthem?"
"Worst rendition of the National Anthem I’ve heard in a long time. Bad way to start a season," another fan lamented. Even those who admire McCready's guitar skills felt it was out of place. "I like his guitar playing but I don’t want to be hearing that during the national anthem," one user commented.
This isn't the first time the NFL has experimented with anthem performances, and it likely won't be the last. The league has a history of featuring diverse artists and styles, from pop stars to military bands. But Wednesday night's choice clearly struck a nerve with fans who prefer a more traditional approach.
Interestingly, this comes on the heels of Brittney Griner's anthem sing-along that signaled a shift in how players and fans engage with the song. And with the NFL's recent decision to play the Canadian anthem at Bills home games, the anthem debate continues to evolve.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if the league takes this feedback to heart. Thursday night's games in Australia will feature anthem performances, and fans will be watching closely to see if the NFL has learned its lesson.
For now, the message is clear: when it comes to the national anthem, most fans want to hear a singer, not a guitar solo. The backlash serves as a reminder that some traditions are best left untouched.
