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