The NFL’s season opener Thursday night in Philadelphia featured another performance of the “black national anthem,” but microphone malfunctions left most of the song inaudible.
Singer Laurin Talese began “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Eagles, but the audio feed failed.
Viewers at home and fans in the stands largely couldn’t hear the performance.
The “Black National Anthem” has no business being sung at NFL, or any other games, but at least the audio was so bad you could barely hear it.
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) September 5, 2025
Mixed Crowd Reaction
Crowd microphones picked up boos during the attempt, sparking debate on social media.
Some attendees were upset about the audio problems, while others voiced frustration over the NFL’s continued push of what many see as a political message.
NBC later acknowledged the audio issue. “It sounded awful, but was probably the best they could do given the situation,” one fan wrote online.
Conservative Backlash Online
Yes we know MAGA. You’re tired of DEI in sports and woke this and we have one anthem that. We get it.
— Richard Staple, BSN, RN🇯🇲 (@RichStapless) September 5, 2025
As a black man why do we need to hear Lift Every Voice it’s not the national anthem. Ughhhh can we just watch football without trying we woke every dam time.
— Taz ☄️💎 (@KingMadTaz) September 5, 2025
I choose love. The endzone told me to.
— Harry Berries (@MrHarryBerries) September 5, 2025
All of those Eagles fans talking and what-not during the Black National Anthem tracks. @NBC could have at least cut the audience mics. #NFLKickoff #ThursdayNightFootball pic.twitter.com/ORlCrqkg1p
— Erin Medley 🤦🏾♀️ (@E_Meds) September 5, 2025
The “Black National Anthem” has no business being sung at NFL, or any other games, but at least the audio was so bad you could barely hear it.
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) September 5, 2025
Oh look the black national anthem. pic.twitter.com/XMEAsDs8bT
— Mr. Happy (@Judge_Smails11) September 4, 2025
Controversial Tradition
The NFL began incorporating the “black national anthem” in 2020 after George Floyd’s death, alongside slogans such as “End Racism” and “It Takes All of Us” painted in end zones.
Critics say the gestures amounted to forced “wokeness” and further divided fans.
Political commentators noted that the reception Thursday suggested enthusiasm for the anthem has waned compared to its introduction several years ago.
