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Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams players were hyped as they listened to the national anthem ahead of their playoff game over the weekend, according to video from NFL Films.
Jim Cornelison performed his epic rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Soldier Field. The video showed the players singing along with him on the sidelines, joining the entire crowd in helping to drown out the patriotic chant before kickoff.
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A general view of an American flag on the field before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Soldier Field on January 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Bears defensive lineman Grady Jarrett was among those stunned by Cornelison’s vocals.
“Hoof!” he said several times in the clip.
Rams wide receiver Davante Adams was amazed by the giant American flag that was rolled out across the field for the performance.
“That’s the biggest flag I’ve ever seen,” he was heard telling quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Cornelison’s song caught the attention of social media before the game, with many NFL fans and pundits praising his efforts.
Fans cheer before the NFC Divisional Playoffs game between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on January 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
RAMS PLAYERS DENY SECRET INGREDIENT IN PLAYOFF WIN OVER BEARS
This isn’t the first time Cornelison has made an impression on NFL fans this season. He received a standing ovation back in September when he performed the national anthem before the Bears took on the Minnesota Vikings. It was the first “Monday Night Football” game of the season.
The 61-year-old is a regular at Chicago sporting events. He has been the Bears’ national anthem singer since 2010. He has hit the ice at Chicago Blackhawks games since 2008 and has sung “Back Home Again in Indiana” before the Indianapolis 500 since 2017.
Cornelison is just as popular outside of sports. He was part of the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists in Chicago and sang at some of the most popular opera houses around the world.
He is also on the board of directors for the Illinois Patriot Education Fund and honorary band leader for the US Air Force Band of Mid-America.
Jim Cornelison performs the national anthem before the start of Round 1 of the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Unfortunately, the Rams took home a win in overtime. Los Angeles will play the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.
