Jim Cornelison ignites Soldier Field as his powerful national anthem sends Bears fans into instant frenzy

Jim Cornelison's national anthem performance echoed through Soldier Field long before the first snap, setting an emotional tone that felt bigger than football. As snow-bitten air wrapped the stadium in Chicago, fans rose early, sensing that something memorable was unfolding. This was not a routine pregame moment. It was a statement, delivered in voice and presence, before the Bears and Rams collided in a high-stakes playoff night.

The crowd leaned in as the opening notes rang out, and within seconds, the atmosphere shifted. Players paused. Fans sang along. Television viewers across the country felt it too. The anthem did not just open the game, it grounded it. In a city craving another deep postseason run, the moment captured pride, history, and hope in one sweeping performance.

Jim Cornelison national anthem delivers playoff intensity at Soldier Field

Jim Cornelison’s appearance came ahead of a tense NFC Divisional Round clash, with the No. 2 seed Bears chasing their first conference championship appearance since 2011. Across the field stood the No. 5 seed Rams, a franchise that last tasted Super Bowl glory in 2021 and returned hungry for another shot. Both teams had battled through the wild-card round, earning their place under the bright lights of Soldier Field.

Jim Cornelison has become a familiar and trusted voice in Chicago sports, and Sunday night proved why. The 61-year-old delivered “The Star-Spangled Banner” with power and control, drawing cheers that rivaled any touchdown roar. Fans later described the performance as chilling, not because of the weather, but because of its emotional weight.


NBC’s national broadcast carried the rendition to millions, giving Cornelison a stage worthy of his reputation. He has sung the anthem at Bears home openers in 2011, 2016, 2019, and 2025, along with playoff games across multiple seasons. Beyond football, he remains a fixture at Chicago Blackhawks games, where he also performs “O, Canada,” and at iconic events like the Indianapolis 500.

Cornelison’s reach extends well beyond stadiums. A former member of the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists, he has performed in renowned opera houses worldwide. He also serves on the board of the Illinois Patriot Education Fund and holds the title of honorary squad commander of the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America.


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