The National Football League (NFL) has addressed recent misconceptions regarding the performance of the national anthem at its 2024 season opener. Contrary to circulating social media posts, the league did not substitute the U.S. national anthem with "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the "Black national anthem."
On September 5, 2024, both songs were performed approximately 20 minutes apart during the opening game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. This practice, as clarified by Tim Schlittner, NFL communications director, has been in place since 2020 for the first game of the season and the Super Bowl.
Following the event, social media platforms saw an influx of posts questioning the NFL's decision, with some users calling for a boycott. However, these claims were unfounded, as both performances were scheduled and broadcast live.
The Kansas City Chiefs' website had published a program schedule listing both performances. Coco Jones was slated to sing the "Star-Spangled Banner" at 7:18 p.m. local time, while Tasha Cobbs was scheduled to perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at 6:55 p.m. Recordings of both performances are available online, with Sunday Night Football on NBC sharing a clip of Jones' rendition on Facebook, and Cobbs posting her performance on Instagram.
The inclusion of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" in NFL events dates back to the early summer of 2020. This decision was made amidst protests following the death of George Floyd, reflecting the league's response to calls for greater recognition of racial justice issues.
It's worth noting that the NFL, founded in 1920, has a long history of evolving traditions. The "Star-Spangled Banner" only became the official U.S. national anthem in 1931, while "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was written as a poem in 1900, predating its musical counterpart.
As the NFL continues to address social issues, it's important to recognize the league's significant cultural impact. With 32 teams across 22 states and the highest average attendance of any professional sports league globally, the NFL's decisions resonate far beyond the field. The league's revenue reached approximately $18.6 billion in 2023, underlining its economic influence.
In conclusion, the NFL's dual anthem performance represents an ongoing effort to balance tradition with evolving social awareness, a practice that has been consistently implemented for the past four years.
"This has been the case since 2020 for the first game of the season and the Super Bowl."