Black national anthem performance at

Eagles Cowboys game draws eye from fans.

Lauren Tles opened the 2025 NFL season

Thursday night by performing Lift Every

Voice and Sing ahead of the Philadelphia

Eagles matchup with the Dallas Cowboys

at Lincoln Financial Field. The song,

often referred to as the Black National

Anthem, has been featured in league

events since 2020 following nationwide

protests after the death of George

Floyd. It has since been performed at

season openers and Super Bowls, sparking

both praise and controversy among fans.

NBC’s broadcast also highlighted one of

the league’s unity messages painted in

the end zone. It takes all of us. The

decision to continue including the

anthem once again drew passionate

reactions across social media. First

promoted by the NAACP in 1917, Lift

Every Voice and Sing has long been

celebrated in black communities but

continues to generate mixed responses

when featured in NFL ceremonies. Inside

the stadium, however, Tiza’s rendition

was met with a standing ovation.

Speaking afterward, the Grammy nominated

artist admitted it was her first time

inside the Eagles home stadium, though

she has supported the team for years.

GG, I’m feeling so excited and honored,

Teles told the Eagles website. I love

the energy of the city, but I’ve never

been to a game before. This was my foray

into real life Eagles fandom, and what

better way to start. The opener also saw

Eagles fans erupt when quarterback

Jaylen Herz ran in a touchdown, setting

the tone for high energy start to the

season.