Jim Cornelison's voice filled Soldier Field long before the football game began. His national anthem performance created an emotional atmosphere that felt larger than sports. Cold winter air surrounded the stadium in Chicago. Fans stood up early, sensing something special was about to happen.
This Was No Ordinary Pregame Moment
The performance became a powerful statement before the Bears and Rams faced each other in a crucial playoff game. The crowd listened closely as the first notes played. Within moments, the entire atmosphere changed dramatically.
Players stopped their preparations. Fans joined in singing. Television viewers across America felt the emotional impact too. The anthem did more than start the game. It gave the event deeper meaning and connection.
A City's Hopes Captured in Song
Chicago desperately wants another deep playoff run. Cornelison's performance captured that city pride, historical significance, and collective hope in one sweeping musical moment. His appearance came before a tense NFC Divisional Round matchup.
The number two seed Bears aimed for their first conference championship appearance since 2011. Across the field stood the number five seed Rams. This franchise last won the Super Bowl in 2021 and returned hungry for another championship opportunity.
Both Teams Earned Their Place
Both teams fought through the wild-card round to earn their spots under Soldier Field's bright lights. Jim Cornelison has become a familiar and trusted voice in Chicago sports. Sunday night demonstrated exactly why he holds that reputation.
The sixty-one-year-old singer delivered "The Star-Spangled Banner" with remarkable power and precise control. The cheers that followed rivaled any touchdown celebration roar. Fans later described the performance as chilling, not because of the freezing weather, but because of its emotional weight.
National Broadcast Amplifies the Moment
NBC's national broadcast carried Cornelison's rendition to millions of viewers. This gave him a stage worthy of his established reputation. He has sung the anthem at Bears home openers in 2011, 2016, 2019, and 2025.
He has also performed at playoff games across multiple seasons. Beyond football, Cornelison remains a regular fixture at Chicago Blackhawks games. There he often performs "O, Canada" as well. He appears at iconic events like the Indianapolis 500 too.
A Career Beyond Stadium Performances
Cornelison's reach extends far beyond sports stadiums. He is a former member of the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists. He has performed in renowned opera houses around the world throughout his career.
He also serves on the board of the Illinois Patriot Education Fund. Cornelison holds the title of honorary squad commander of the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America. His diverse background contributes to the powerful presence he brings to national anthem performances.
The emotional pregame moment set the stage for what promised to be an intense playoff battle. Both teams prepared to translate that stadium energy into on-field performance. Chicago fans hoped Cornelison's stirring anthem would inspire their team to victory.
