BS BULLETIN:
- Chicago’s Mariachi Herencia de México performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Monday night’s Bears–Eagles game.
- The performance was part of the Bears’ Latino Heritage Month celebration and was the first mariachi rendition of the anthem at Soldier Field.
- Some viewers wanted a traditional arrangement. Others loved it, including ESPN’s Joe Buck, who said it gave him “chills.”
The Chicago Bears opened Monday Night Football with a sound Soldier Field had never heard for the national anthem: mariachi.
Mariachi Herencia de México, a Chicago-based group with two Latin Grammy nominations, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the Bears faced the Philadelphia Eagles. Trumpets and strings gave the anthem a different sound, and the internet promptly did what it does with anything different.
🤔The NFL had a Mexican Mariachi band play the national Anthem for the Bears /Eagles MNF game. They REALLY can’t get out of their own way.
Of course this is in Obama’s hometown of Chicago. pic.twitter.com/HhH0Mxx0O0— Johnny St.Pete (@JohnMcCloy) September 29, 2026
One viewer complained that the anthem “hits harder when it’s kept traditional.” Others praised the performance. ESPN announcer Joe Buck said it gave him “chills.” The reactions were mixed online, though a handful of posts cannot tell us what most fans thought. A quick sample: (* language warning)
The Bears had planned the appearance as part of their Latino Heritage Month celebration. The group also had history with the team: it performed at halftime during the Bears’ 2024 celebration. Monday marked its first time playing the anthem at Soldier Field.
Then Chicago gave its fans something else to cheer about, beating Philadelphia 27–7.
DBS WIRE SOURCES:
- Daily Mail — NFL mariachi band national anthem controversy
- ESPN — Mariachi Herencia de México performs the national anthem in Chicago
- CBS Chicago — Mariachi Herencia de México to perform national anthem at Soldier Field
- The Latin Times — Anthem performance drew cheers and criticism
- Chicago Bears — Bears celebrate Latino Heritage Month at Soldier Field
