The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders were more than just division rivals Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field as they played for a spot in Super Bowl LIX.
But one thing both fans agreed on was how great the pregame performance of the national anthem was.
Fans took to social media to express their love for the patriotic scene that involved a real Eagle, a brilliant performance by Mark Kate Morrissey, who plays Elphaba in Broadway’s “Wicked,” and fighter jets flying overhead.
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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels kneels before the start of the NFC Championship game against the Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
“I’m not an Eagles fan, but their national anthem is the absolute best with the bald eagle flying in the stadium,” wrote one X user. “It can’t be better.”
“Absolutely beautiful!” added another.
Numerous fans displayed an American flag the size of the football field, creating a perfect wide shot of the entire scene before the two teams got to work on the gridiron.
But the live eagle flying across the stadium from coach to coach as Morrissey reached the climax of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was the most talked about on social media.
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley runs with the ball for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the first half of the NFC Championship at Lincoln Financial Field. (Images by Eric Hartline-Imagn)
A general view during the national anthem before the start of the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports/File)
“I’m not an Eagles fan, but DAMN… that bald eagle flying during the singing of the National Anthem made me cry with pride,” another X user said.
When Morrissey finished singing, four F-16s from the 177th Fighter Wing flew over the stadium, putting the cherry on top of the patriotic scene.
Things also got off to a good start for the Eagles faithful in this game, as the home team saw star running back Saquon Barkley score two touchdowns in the first quarter, including one on the Eagles’ first offensive snap of the game to take leading from the beginning.
Many teams go out of their way to play their national anthems during the season, but fans believe the Eagles are the cream of the crop after what happened in this conference championship game.
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