NFL fans were blown away by a ‘powerful’ rendition of the American national anthem before Sunday’s Rams-Bears playoff game.
Iconic singer Jim Cornelison was tasked with performing the Star Spangled Banner prior to kickoff in Chicago, where the hosts came up agonizingly short despite quarterback Caleb Williams producing one of the greatest touchdown passes ever.
Cornelison, who has sung the anthem at a number of Bears games in the past, sent fans wild before the game with his sensational rendition in freezing conditions at Soldier Field.
‘Bears Rams may have had the best national anthem of all time. Absolutely spectacular scenes and incredible performer,’ one user claimed on X.
‘The best rendition I’ve ever heard. Powerful. The way it should be sung,’ wrote another.
‘[Cornelison] is the best in the business,’ a third commented. ‘Fantastic guy and outstanding voice!’
Jim Cornelison sings the National Anthem in Chicago 👏 pic.twitter.com/2KCzLilsFe
— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2026
NFL fans were blown away by a ‘powerful’ rendition of the American national anthem Sunday
The stunning anthem performance came before the Rams-Bears playoff game in Chicago
A fourth put: ‘jim’s voice really gives me chills every time’.
While another fan admitted: ‘I would be so hyped after listening to this’.
Cornelison has previously performed the Star Spangled Banner at the Bears’ opening home games in 2025, 2019, 2016 and 2011, as well as various playoff games in the 2010-11 and 2025-26 seasons.
The 61-year-old has also sung at Chicago Blackhawks hockey games and the Indianapolis 500, as well as the Arlington International Festival of Racing.
He impressed football fans before a huge playoff game at Soldier Field, where the No.2 seed Bears were bidding to move to within one game of the Super Bowl.
However, they failed to make it to their first NFC Championship game since 2010 in heartbreaking fashion.
With just 21 seconds on the clock, and Chicago trailing 17-10 on a 4th-and-4, Williams initially retreated in a desperate bid to evade two Rams defenders, before he pulled out a mesmerizing 51-yard pass to find Cole Kmet in the end zone.
Caleb Williams went on to produce one of the greatest touchdown passes ever for the Bears
But the Rams prevailed in overtime when Harrison Mevis kicked the game-winning field goal
It was a heartbreaking outcome for the Bears and Williams, whose heroics were in vain
The touchdown sparked jubilant scenes as Cairo Santos then made the extra point to set up overtime, but it was there where Williams went from hero to zero.
After LA failed to score on the opening possession, he threw the costliest of interceptions while attempting a 20-yard pass downfield to DJ Moore, which was caught by Rams defender Kamren Curl.
The visitors then went on to seal the victory when Harrison Mevis kicked the game-winning field goal from 42 yards.
It proved a devastating outcome for Chicago and Williams, whose all-time great touchdown pass is in vain after the defeat.
