NFL fans divided on troop’s national anthem before preseason opener

An American troop’s rendition of the US national anthem divided opinion before the first NFL preseason game of the year on Thursday night.

Prior to the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions‘ meeting in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game, Staff Sergeant Ken Bettinger of the Ohio National Guard sang the Star Spangled Banner to fans at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Yet his unique performance left viewers torn, with some mercilessly criticizing Bettinger’s vocals on the night.

‘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 wrote on X.

Another commented: ‘Love the troops, but damn that was a terrible national anthem’.

‘This guy singing the national anthem is not a good singer,’ a third brutally concluded.

While one even claimed: ‘no troll this [is] one of the worst National Anthem’s I’ve ever heard’.

However, others heaped praise on Bettinger for ‘normalizing’ the Star Spangled Banner compared to celebrity singers.

‘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,’ argued one fan.

Another put: ‘Outstanding National Anthem!!’

‘That’s how a man sings the National Anthem!’ posted a third.

While another said: ‘Bruh sang that National Anthem with his soul’.

More to follow.