Chicago Bears got a stirring start to their NFC divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night, thanks in part to an electrifying national anthem performance by veteran singer Jim Cornelison. The crowd at Soldier Field was visibly energized as Cornelison took the stage, his powerful voice ringing out across the stadium.
Cornelison's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was broadcast nationally on NBC, providing a moment of patriotic pride for the sold-out crowd and viewers watching from around the country. It marked one of his many high-profile performances, including singing the anthem before Blackhawks games at the United Center.
With their playoff lives on the line, both teams had faced tough opponents in their respective wild-card round battles to earn a spot in the divisional round. The Rams edged out the Carolina Panthers 30-27, while the Bears secured a thrilling comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers.
The stage was set for a thrilling matchup between two rivals looking to reach the NFC Championship Game for the first time in years. In the end, it was the Rams who emerged victorious, but not before the Bears came within inches of forcing overtime after a failed extra-point attempt at the end of regulation.
A post-game social media exchange with the Rams' official Twitter account saw the team poking fun at the inclement weather conditions that made for an eventful evening. The crowd's energy and Cornelison's stirring performance, however, will be remembered long after this season's football dust settles.
Cornelison's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was broadcast nationally on NBC, providing a moment of patriotic pride for the sold-out crowd and viewers watching from around the country. It marked one of his many high-profile performances, including singing the anthem before Blackhawks games at the United Center.
With their playoff lives on the line, both teams had faced tough opponents in their respective wild-card round battles to earn a spot in the divisional round. The Rams edged out the Carolina Panthers 30-27, while the Bears secured a thrilling comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers.
The stage was set for a thrilling matchup between two rivals looking to reach the NFC Championship Game for the first time in years. In the end, it was the Rams who emerged victorious, but not before the Bears came within inches of forcing overtime after a failed extra-point attempt at the end of regulation.
A post-game social media exchange with the Rams' official Twitter account saw the team poking fun at the inclement weather conditions that made for an eventful evening. The crowd's energy and Cornelison's stirring performance, however, will be remembered long after this season's football dust settles.
! Jim Cornelison brought so much heart to that national anthem performance 
. I mean, who else can make singing the national anthem feel like a rock concert? 
And honestly, I think he's the best part of any sports event - his voice just gets everyone pumped up 
! The Rams may have won, but the energy at Soldier Field was so electric 
. Can't wait to see what these teams do next season 
... Cornelison absolutely killed it on the national anthem, got the whole stadium pumped up 
! But you know what was even more impressive? The Bears' resilience in that thrilling comeback win 
️, lol! Anyway, can't wait to see how this season plays out 
Man, what a game! I was on the edge of my seat watching it live with friends at our tiny backyard bar. Jim Cornelison totally brought the house down with his anthem performance - gave me chills! And the Bears' comeback? Insane! Those guys were like a team of superheroes out there. 
The Rams were tough, but I think we all knew that from the start. Weather conditions aside, what a night it was! We're gonna miss some crazy moments from this season 
Jim Cornelison is literally the best! I love how he brings so much passion and pride to performing the national anthem 
it's amazing how much of a difference his energy can make on the crowd's vibe! And I'm loving how both teams came together in the end, even if the Rams took the win 
Like, the whole stadium would've been on its feet, screaming "USA! USA!" and throwing their nacho cheese-fueled foam fingers in the air! 
Anyway, Congrats to the Rams on their win, but I'm still holding onto my Bears' playoff hopes (and my fantasy league team, which is basically all I care about this time of year) 
It really got the whole stadium pumped up, you know? I love how NBC broadcast it nationally too, felt like a real moment of patriotism 