Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season concluded with an NFC North showdown between the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings.
Before fans got their first look at Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy, they watched American singer Jim Cornelison perform the national anthem at Soldier Field. The 61-year-old usually sings “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “O Canada” at home games for the Chicago Blackhawks, so he’s already a beloved figured in the Windy City.
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Although Cornelison is no stranger to performing in front of packed crowds, Monday night was a much bigger stage. You have people from around the country watching “Monday Night Football.”
Luckily for Cornelison, he crushed the national anthem with ease. The NFL shared his performance on social media along with the caption: “10/10 National Anthem. No notes.”
Aug 10, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; People hold the flag during the national anthem before a game between the Chicago Bears and the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field.David Banks-Imagn Images.
NFL world loved Cornelison’s performance.
Immediately after this rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” came to an end, NFL media members and fans went on social media to praise Cornelison.
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“That was an unbelievable national anthem,” ESPN’s Field Yates wrote on X.
“Holy anthem, I’d run through brick wall for him,” one fan commented.
“Bears bringing America together one game at a time,” a second fan added.
“That was a top 10 anthem of all time,” another fan declared.
The Bears were clearly inspired by that national anthem. Their opening possession was a 10-play, 61-yard drive that was capped off by a rushing touchdown from Williams.
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Oddsmakers had the Bears as slight favorites over the Vikings coming into Monday’s game.
We’ll see if the Bears can kick off the Ben Johnson era with a win over a division rival.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.