Earlier this month, ESPN faced significant backlash for not airing the national anthem prior to the Sugar Bowl clash between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In contrast, the Kansas City Chiefs had something special planned for the national anthem ahead of Sunday’s AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills, enlisting the talent of United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Generald Wilson to sing, thereby paying tribute to the military.
This isn’t Wilson’s first time performing the national anthem at a major sporting event; he has previously sung at the World Series, NFL playoff games, the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, and the Indianapolis 500. Kansas City fans hold fond memories of his performance during the Royals’ World Series run in 2014 and the Chiefs’ AFC Championship Showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023.
“It’s amazing to be asked to come back to Kansas City,” Wilson shared in a phone interview with the KC Star on Tuesday. “I’m always grateful for the opportunity to sing here — it’s such a special place, and it feels like home every time.” He noted that his recognition has grown to the point where he often gets to take photos with fans and sign autographs.
“It’s always a blessing to interact with new people,” he added. This unique approach to honoring America comes before one of the weekend’s most significant games.
