NBC skips national anthem on 'Sunday Night Football' from Soldier Field on Veterans Day week
Fox News • • sports
Key Points:
- NBC's Sunday Night Football broadcast on a week dedicated to the NFL's Salute To Service campaign notably omitted the national anthem, despite the game being played at Chicago's Soldier Field just days before Veterans Day.
- The broadcast included a pregame interview and aerial shots of flag bearers carrying a large American flag, but the anthem itself was not aired, prompting viewer and social media notice.
- NBC executives did not respond to inquiries about the omission, which appears to have been an editorial decision by the network rather than the NFL or the Bears organization.
- This is not the first time the national anthem coverage before a Bears game has drawn attention this season, with a previous instrumental mariachi version on ESPN/ABC receiving mixed reactions.
- The attempt to avoid controversy by skipping the anthem did not prevent criticism, suggesting the decision was seen as missing the mark amid a week honoring military service.
