Fans were split over the rendition of the American national anthem ahead of Thursday night’s Hall of Fame Game.
The first NFL preseason game of the year featured the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions, with Staff Sergeant Ken Bettinger of the Ohio National Guard doing the honors.
Thank you Staff Sergeant Kent Bettinger representing the Ohio National Guard and America. We salute you. pic.twitter.com/GemqHZIj8c
— Victor Villalba (@VJ_Villalba12) August 1, 2025
Bettinger serenaded the crowd at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. However, it was clear that singing wasn’t his day job, so fans on social media had differing views.
“My man just sang the national anthem in like 4 different keys in the Hall Of Fame Game. That’s usually talent, but I think… not so much this time,” one user shared via X.
My man just sang the national anthem in like 4 different keys in the Hall Of Fame Game.
That’s usually talent, but I think… not so much this time
— Brandon Danner (@dmusicstud) August 1, 2025
“no troll this one of the worst National Anthem’s I’ve ever heard,” another claimed.
no troll this one of the worst National Anthem’s I’ve ever heard
— goodfella (@nickcoachin) August 1, 2025
Others lauded Bettinger’s efforts, suggesting that celebrities getting to perform the Star Spangled Banner ahead of games should happen somewhat less.
“That’s a good national anthem. Normalize having people that live it sing it instead of so called famous people. Let someone who loves their country and truly put there life on line to protect it sing it,” someone wrote.
That’s a good national anthem. Normalize having people that live it sing it instead of so called famous people. Let someone who loves their country and truly put there life on line to protect it sing it #NFL
— van (@dutchraider00) August 1, 2025
“Bruh sang that National Anthem with his soul,” another claimed.
Bruh sang that National Anthem with his soul 🥲🔥
— Illmatic 175 (@SLB2Kay11) August 1, 2025
The NFL held a moment of silence for the victims of Monday’s shooting incident in the building housing its headquarters in New York City before Bettinger took center stage ahead of the Hall of Fame Game. Four people were killed while another was critically injured.
The gunman is believed to have targeted the league’s office but took the wrong bank of elevators.
The Chargers won the game pretty convincingly, beating Detroit 34-7 on the night.
