NFL Season Opens with Black National Anthem Performance

The NFL season kicked off with a rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens, featuring a performance of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' by Grammy-winning artist Tasha Cobbs Leonard, which has been embraced as the Black National Anthem since 1900. The performance, intended to promote unity, sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some appreciating the gesture and others questioning its necessity alongside the traditional national anthem. The Chiefs ultimately won the thrilling game 27-20, marked by a last-minute call that went against the Ravens. Coco Jones performed 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' but her rendition received criticism from viewers. The event was underscored by the ongoing national conversation surrounding race and representation, as seen in the fans' divided opinions about the anthems. The presence of pop star Taylor Swift, in support of Travis Kelce, added to the evening's spectacle, though it also highlighted the media's focus on celebrity amidst the football action.