Nathaniel Rateliff Sparks Debate With Anthem At AFC Championship

The air at Empower Field crackled with anticipation on January 25, 2026, as the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots prepared for their high-stakes AFC Championship showdown—a game that would send one team to Super Bowl LX. But before a single snap, all eyes turned to the midfield, where Colorado's own Nathaniel Rateliff, frontman of The Night Sweats, stepped into the spotlight to perform the United States national anthem. For fans and players alike, it was a moment meant to ground this pivotal afternoon in tradition and local pride.

Rateliff’s selection as anthem singer was confirmed by the Broncos on January 23, 2026, and his appearance was more than just a ceremonial note. Known for his gritty blend of Americana, soul, and folk, Rateliff is no stranger to big moments at Empower Field. He previously sang the anthem during a Broncos-Bengals game in 2015 and even opened for The Rolling Stones in 2019. This time, with the Broncos vying for their first Super Bowl appearance in a decade and the Patriots hungry to end their own drought since 2019, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.

Fans were told to arrive early, with the franchise advising everyone to be in their seats by 12:40 p.m. local time. Pregame festivities promised more than just music—there were rally towels for every attendee, a thrilling aerial show by the Thunderstorm skydiving team, and the ever-energetic Miles the Mascot working the crowd. The temperature hovered near a bone-chilling 3°F, and snowflakes threatened to join the party, only adding to the drama and spectacle of the day.

As kickoff approached, Rateliff’s performance was set to be the final pause before the noise, the hard hits, and the defining plays of the NFL season took center stage. “Say, can you see…?” he began, his voice filling the stadium and echoing across the frigid stands. For many, the choice of a local artist—a Colorado native whose music has resonated in small venues and on national tours—was a fitting tribute to the Broncos’ home-field advantage. According to the Broncos’ official statement, “Nathaniel Rateliff is our national anthem performer for the AFC Championship Game!”

Yet, as is often the case with high-profile anthem performances, not everyone was pleased. Social media erupted almost instantly with criticism from viewers at home. One fan complained, “That was a horrendous performance singing the National Anthem. Good god.” Another posted, “That national anthem weak as f***. NFL gotta cast better singers. Plenty of other amazing country singers out there.” The harshest critics went so far as to call it “top 3 worst national anthem performance I have ever heard,” while another said, “Damn. Nathaniel Rateliff was pitchy as hell on the national anthem. Not even close. I like his music in general but that was awful.”

Others, however, seemed to appreciate the local flavor and Rateliff’s signature soulful delivery, even if the overall reaction trended negative. The performance concluded with a rousing flyover by the Colorado National Guard, featuring four aircraft—a sight that never fails to stir the crowd, regardless of the notes hit or missed on the field below. The flyover served as a powerful punctuation mark, reminding everyone of the grandeur and gravity of the occasion.

For context, Rateliff’s anthem came just a week after Chicago’s Jim Cornelison delivered a widely praised rendition before the Bears’ playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Cornelison’s powerful voice and history of memorable performances at major sporting events set a high bar, and the comparison was not lost on fans. “The first big surprise of the game is how many people seemed to have enjoyed that rendition of the national anthem,” one observer noted, highlighting the passionate and often divided opinions that accompany such performances.

Despite the controversy swirling around the anthem, the game itself wasted no time in delivering excitement. Broncos fans, already on edge following the loss of star quarterback Bo Nix to a season-ending broken ankle, watched as backup Jarrett Stidham took the reins. With Nix on the sidelines, Stidham connected with Courtland Sutton for a first-quarter touchdown, giving Denver a 7-0 lead and sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The Patriots, led by rookie sensation Drake Maye, entered the contest with a perfect 8-0 road record, undaunted by the hostile environment and freezing temperatures. This clash was more than just a game—it was a test of resilience, depth, and the will to win under pressure.

The pregame festivities, from the skydiving spectacle to the distribution of rally towels, helped set the tone for what was expected to be a fiercely contested battle. The Broncos’ defense, among the league’s best, faced a Patriots offense capable of striking quickly and efficiently. With both teams boasting identical 14-3 regular-season records, fans and analysts alike struggled to pick a clear favorite. The narrative was further complicated by the weather, with snow and subzero wind chills threatening to turn every play into a test of endurance.

For Nathaniel Rateliff, the moment was both a homecoming and a high-wire act. While his performance may not have won universal acclaim, it succeeded in focusing the crowd’s attention and underscoring the local pride that permeates every Broncos home game. As one report noted, “Rateliff’s performance should set the perfect tone for what is a highly-anticipated clash.” Even those who found his rendition lacking couldn’t deny the energy that swept through Empower Field as the anthem ended and the flyover roared overhead.

Meanwhile, the Patriots and Broncos locked horns in a game that promised to come down to the wire. With a trip to Super Bowl LX on the line, every snap, every tackle, and every decision would be scrutinized. The absence of Bo Nix loomed large, but Jarrett Stidham’s early heroics gave Denver hope. For the Patriots, Drake Maye’s poise and the team’s road-warrior mentality kept them firmly in contention.

As the afternoon unfolded, fans in the stadium and millions watching at home were reminded that in sports, as in music, perfection is elusive and opinions are strong. But the show always goes on. With the anthem in the rearview and the action on the field heating up, the 2026 AFC Championship Game delivered on its promise of drama, spectacle, and the relentless pursuit of glory.

With the score still developing and both teams battling for a ticket to Super Bowl LX, one thing is certain: January 25, 2026, will be remembered not just for the football, but for a pregame performance that sparked conversation across the nation and set the stage for an unforgettable day at Empower Field.