Pearl Jam guitarist sings anthem at NFL season opener

Mike McCready, guitarist for Pearl Jam, performed the national anthem before the Patriots-Seahawks game. The performance was part of the NFL Kickoff festivities.
The performance occurred on September 9, 2026, during the NFL Kickoff Game between the Patriots and the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks. McCready, a longtime guitarist for Pearl Jam, delivered the anthem as part of the league's season-opening festivities. Surrounding coverage highlights the Seahawks' championship status and the Patriots' new offensive weapons, setting the stage for a high-profile matchup.
This performance could attract a crossover audience of music fans to the NFL's season opener, potentially boosting early viewership. It may also reinforce the league's tradition of blending entertainment with patriotic ceremony, though reactions to the rendition could vary among viewers. The choice of a prominent rock guitarist might signal the NFL's continued effort to appeal to diverse cultural tastes during its marquee events.