The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders faced off at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday with a Super Bowl LIX berth on the line.
While the game itself was highly anticipated, it was the pregame national anthem that stole the spotlight, uniting fans of both teams in a rare moment of agreement.
Mary Kate Morrissey, known for her role as Elphaba in Broadway’s Wicked, delivered a stunning rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
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Her performance was accompanied by a series of patriotic elements, including a live bald eagle soaring across the stadium, a massive field-sized American flag, and a flyover by four F-16 fighter jets from the 177th Fighter Wing.
Fans quickly took to social media to express their admiration for the scene, which many described as one of the most memorable national anthem performances in recent history.
“I’m not an Eagles fan, but their national anthem is the absolute best with the bald eagle flying in the stadium,” one user posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “It can’t get any better.”
Another fan wrote, “Absolutely beautiful!”
The highlight for many was the live bald eagle, which flew from one trainer to another inside the stadium just as Morrissey reached the anthem’s climactic moments.
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 26, 2025
The majestic bird’s flight struck an emotional chord for viewers.
“Not an Eagles fan but DAMN…that Bald Eagle flying during the singing of the National Anthem brought tears of pride to my eyes,” another X user shared.
The visual spectacle also included an American flag that spanned the entire football field, held in place by numerous fans.
The scene was capped off by the thunderous flyover of four F-16 fighter jets as Morrissey completed the final notes of the anthem.
This patriotic display left fans of both teams and neutral observers in awe, with many declaring it one of the most stirring moments of the season.
The Eagles wasted no time delivering for their fans once the game began.
Star running back Saquon Barkley ignited the home crowd with two touchdowns in the first quarter, including a score on the Eagles’ very first offensive play.
SAQUON ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
: #WASvsPHI on FOX
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The early offensive burst gave the Eagles a lead as they pursued and ultimately secured a spot in the Super Bowl.
While many NFL teams put significant effort into creating memorable national anthem performances, fans widely agreed that the Eagles set a new standard during Sunday’s NFC Championship game.
The combination of Morrissey’s vocals, the bald eagle, and the F-16 flyover made for an unforgettable moment that resonated well beyond the confines of Lincoln Financial Field.
As the Eagles and Commanders battled it out on the gridiron, the pregame ceremony served as a reminder of how sports can bring fans together, even in the midst of fierce rivalries.
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