Fans all say the same thing about stirring national anthem before Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles

NFL fans loved the performance of the national anthem before the Washington Commanders faced the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon.

But it was the introduction of an eagle during the performance by Mary Kate Morrissey –  currently starring as Elphaba in the Broadway hit musical, Wicked – that stole the show.

During the performance, Lincoln, a live bald eagle, soared through the air to huge cheers from the home supporters. 

And at the conclusion of the anthem, four F16 jets from the 177th Fighter Wing did a flyover. 

‘I’m not an Eagles fan but their national anthem is the absolute best with the bald eagle flying in the stadium. It can’t get any better,’ one fan posted on X.

Another said: ‘Boys got an eagle flying around during the national anthem… Eagles by 10+.’

Mary Kate Morrissey sang the national anthem before the Eagles played the Commanders

A different comment read: ‘The national anthem being sung with an eagle flying around the US flag was epic.’

Another said: ‘Not an Eagles (Eglses) fan but DAMN… that Bald Eagle flying during the singing of the National Anthem brought tears of pride to my eyes.’

It caught the eye of Bills fans watching on too – with one saying: ‘Philadelphia having an actual bald eagle fly around the stadium during the national anthem makes me want the Bills to have Josh Allen ride a bison onto the field next season. Go Bills.’

For the Eagles, they were hit with an injury blow minutes before the game began with Cam Jurgens struggling to overcome a back issue.

It meant that Landon Dickerson was moving across to center for the game. Jurgens was not declared inactive but was only anticipated to feature if really necessary.

It was another significant setback for the hosts after quarterback Jalen Hurts struggled this week with a knee issue sustained in last week’s win over the Los Angeles Rams.

But once the game began, the Eagles made a rampant start with Saquon Barkley with a blistering 60-yard touchdown on Philadelphia’s first play of the game. 

And on the next offensive drive for the hosts, Barkley scored again as the Eagles threatened to go on the rampage in the early exchanges.

Barkley scored a sensational 60-yard touchdown on the first drive of the Eagles game

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels pictured in the moments before the game began

The Commanders, meanwhile, had been in confident spirits ahead of the game with thousands of fans making the 140-mile journey up the east coast for the game.

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continued his astonishing rookie season last week by leading his team to victory against the NFC’s No. 1 seed Detroit Lions at Ford Field.

The winner of the game in Philadelphia will play the victor of Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs in the later game at Arrowhead Stadium.