The NFL faced intense criticism after kicking off the 2024 season with the performance of the “Black National Anthem,” “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” ahead of the traditional “Star-Spangled Banner” during the highly anticipated matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. Thursday night’s game ended in a dramatic 27-20 victory for the Chiefs, but the pre-game decision has sparked outrage among fans who argued that the inclusion of the Black National Anthem was divisive.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens were inches away from potentially tying the game in the final seconds, but the controversy surrounding the anthem choices overshadowed the thrilling contest. Isaiah Likely’s last-second catch, initially ruled a touchdown, was overturned upon review, ending the game in Kansas City’s favor. However, the conversation online quickly turned from football to the ongoing culture war over the NFL’s political decisions.
Outspoken critics, including some prominent voices, voiced their disapproval on social media, accusing the NFL of using football as a platform for divisive messaging. Many said that the introduction of the Black National Anthem creates unnecessary racial separation in an event that should unite Americans.
The @NFL is back to pushing racial segregation with the made-up Black National Anthem instead of the actual National Anthem that stands for ALL Americans.
The NFL is yet another tool for the radical left to push its divisive anti-American agenda. Sad.pic.twitter.com/pB6FmPCa8B
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) September 6, 2024
One fan wrote, “Why do we need a Black National Anthem when we already have one anthem for everyone? Dividing us further with these gestures only weakens our unity.”
Why do we need a Black National Anthem when we already have one anthem for everyone?
Dividing us further with these gestures only weakens our unity. @NFL, stop pushing division. Stand for true unity and patriotism!!! pic.twitter.com/ddeB4j3hEX
— John (@johnEiid) September 6, 2024
Another added, “Does the NFL want to be Bud Lighted or something?” — a reference to the backlash faced by Bud Light after its controversial marketing decisions earlier in the year.
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Why has the NFL replaced our National Anthem with the so-called “BLACK” national anthem?!
We have ONE national anthem, and it’s the Star Spangled Banner.
Does the NFL want to be Bud Lighted or something?
pic.twitter.com/Yg80phC8P8— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 6, 2024
Several conservatives questioned whether the league was alienating its core fanbase. Michael Flynn Jr. tweeted, “There’s only one National Anthem in this country,” while conservative commentator Nick Adams emphasized, “There is no Black National Anthem. There is only ONE national anthem!”
Fuck the Black National Anthem and the @NFL for allowing it.
There’s only 1 National Anthem in this country.
— Michael Flynn Jr (@realmflynnJR) September 6, 2024
There is no black national anthem.
There is no white national anthem.
There is only ONE national anthem!
— Nick Adams (Alpha Male) (@NickAdamsinUSA) September 6, 2024
The league has doubled down on its commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives in recent years, but the move has clearly hit a nerve with a significant portion of its audience. Whether the NFL will face lasting consequences, similar to Bud Light’s plummeting sales after its own political controversies, remains to be seen. One thing is clear — the debate over the Black National Anthem is far from over, and the league’s decisions will continue to be scrutinized by those who feel their beloved sport is becoming too political.
