NFL fans have ripped into the performance of the national anthem prior to the Chiefs’ game against the Chargers in Brazil on Friday night.
Jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington performed The Star-Spangled Banner ahead of the matchup in Sao Paulo, marking the NFL’s second regular-season game in Brazil.
However, fans were left unimpressed by the unique instrumental rendition prior to the game and let their feelings be known on social media.
One fan wrote on X: ‘The worst national anthem performance of all time. Nice going NFL’. Another user posted: ‘This national anthem is an abject disgrace.’
Similarly, one fan swiftly took to social media and said: ‘Holy f*** this might be the worst national anthem I’ve ever heard’.
Washington, 44, is an acclaimed composer known for fusing jazz with soul, funk and hip-hop influences.
NFL fans have ripped into the performance of the national anthem prior to the Chiefs’ game
Jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington performed The Star-Spangled Banner before the game
The anthem is traditionally one of the most scrutinized moments in any NFL broadcast and Washington’s interpretation drew negative responses on social media.
The decision to tap Washington for the anthem was part of a broader push by the NFL to reflect a more global and culturally diverse audience.
NFL Senior Director for Global Game Presentation Tim Tubito said before the game: ‘With our incredible NFL fan base in Brazil and across the world, we worked hand-in-hand with our YouTube partners to tap into the larger Latin Pop music scene with an innovative, global artist.
‘We’re thrilled to welcome Kamasi Washington… honoring the sounds of Latin America and delivering… a historic performance on YouTube.’
Just one day prior, Boyz II Men’s rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner was similarly criticized by fans tuning in on the opening night of the NFL.
The three-piece group, who are all from Philadelphia, are big Eagles fans but that didn’t protect them from some savage verdicts from viewers of the curtain-raising game of the 2025 season, where the Philadelphia Eagles host Dallas Cowboys.
‘This is the worst national anthem to ever start any sports season,’ one fan wrote on X as the trio were singing.
Another said: ‘I know how good Boyz II Men ‘could’ve’ done that. Holy s*** that hurt.’
Fans let their feelings be known about Washington’s performance on social media
The Chiefs took on the Chargers for their season-opening game in Sao Paulo, Brazil
A different viewer wrote: ‘Boyz II Men were one of my favorite groups in my teens. They sounded terrible in the Anthem. Fairly sure their ear pieces weren’t working? They sounded like a church choir practicing lol.’
Band member Wanya Morris, a huge fan of the Super Bowl champions, told the Eagles website before the game what an honor it was to be performing on Thursday night.
‘I don’t know how else to be,’ he said of his Eagles fandom. ‘I don’t know what other color to be. I don’t know what other wings to wear.
‘If we lose, bro, I can’t. I’m no good until maybe Monday night. Philly is always going to be big. That’s why the Eagles do what we do.’
