Long before the first snap of the AFC Championship showdown, NFL fans were already buzzing — and not for the reasons the league usually hopes for.
As viewers settled in for the high-stakes clash between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, attention quickly shifted to the pregame ceremony that traditionally sets the tone: the national anthem.
Nathaniel Rateliff Takes Center Stage Before Kickoff
Denver-based singer and songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff was handed the honor of performing The Star-Spangled Banner just moments before kickoff.
With the Broncos preparing to battle for a Super Bowl spot, the stage was massive, the audience even bigger, and expectations sky-high.
Unfortunately, the reaction from fans watching at home turned sour almost instantly.
Fans React Harshly Online
It didn’t take long for social media to erupt, with many viewers openly criticizing Rateliff’s rendition.
One fan bluntly described it as a “horrendous performance,” while another complained that the anthem sounded “weak,” adding that the NFL should do a better job selecting singers for such major moments.
Others were even harsher.
One viewer called it “top three worst national anthem performances” they had ever heard, while another labeled it “cringe.”
Several fans took issue with his pitch, with one saying he sounded “way off,” despite admitting they normally enjoy his music.
Brutal Comparisons and Cutting Jokes
As the criticism piled up, the jokes followed.
One commenter likened Rateliff to a “drunk uncle,” while another bluntly suggested he needed more practice.
Some fans were genuinely confused, saying the real shock wasn’t the performance itself, but how many people seemed to enjoy it.
While opinions varied, the dominant mood online was clear: this anthem didn’t land the way many expected.
Flyover Spectacle and a Fast Broncos Start
Despite the backlash, the anthem wrapped up with an impressive flyover from the Colorado National Guard, featuring four aircraft roaring overhead — a moment that still drew cheers inside the stadium.
The Broncos appeared energized by the pregame spectacle.
Even without franchise quarterback Bo Nix, who was sidelined with a fractured ankle, Denver struck first.
Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham connected with Courtland Sutton for a first-quarter touchdown, giving the Broncos an early 7–0 lead.
Unfortunate Timing After a Legendary Performance
Rateliff’s rough reception was made worse by the timing.
Just a week earlier, fans had been raving about what many called one of the greatest national anthem performances ever.
Chicago icon Jim Cornelison stunned viewers with a powerful, emotional rendition before the Bears’ playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Singing in freezing conditions at Soldier Field, Cornelison’s performance was widely praised as unforgettable.
Jim Cornelison’s Anthem Legacy Looms Large
Cornelison is no stranger to big moments.
The 61-year-old has delivered the anthem at multiple Bears home openers over the years, as well as several playoff games.
Beyond football, his resume includes performances at Chicago Blackhawks games, the Indianapolis 500, and the Arlington International Festival of Racing.
With such a celebrated performance still fresh in fans’ minds, Rateliff’s anthem was always going to face tough comparisons — and many felt it came up short.
What Comes Next?
As the AFC Championship drama unfolds on the field, the debate over the anthem performance is likely to linger online.
Whether the focus shifts fully back to football or the criticism continues, one thing is certain: pregame moments can sometimes steal the spotlight in ways no one expects.
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