NFL fans loved the performance of the national anthem before Washington's Commanders faced the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon.
But it was the introduction of an eagle during the performance of Mary Kate Morrissey – currently starring as Elphaba in the hit Broadway musical, Wicked – that stole the show.
During the performance, Lincoln, a live bald eagle, soared through the sky to huge cheers from the home fans.
And at the end of the anthem, four F16 jets from the 177th Fighter Wing did a flyover.
“I'm not an Eagles fan, but their anthem is definitely the best with the bald eagle flying in the stadium. It can't get any better,” one fan posted on X.
Another said: 'Guys have an eagle flying around during the national anthem…Eagles at 10+.'
Mary Kate Morrissey sang the national anthem before the Eagles played the Commanders
Another comment read: “The national anthem sung with an eagle flying around the American flag was epic.”
It also caught the attention of Bills fans watching – with one saying, “Philadelphia flying a real bald eagle around the stadium during the national anthem makes me want the Bills to let Josh Allen have a bison on the field next season to ride. Go bills. '
For the Eagles, they were hit with an injury blow minutes before the game started with Cam Jurgens struggling to overcome a back issue.
It meant Landon Dickerson moved to center for the game. Jurgens was not declared inactive, but was only expected to appear when really needed.
It was another major setback for the hosts after quarterback Jalen Hurts struggled with a knee problem in last week's win over the Los Angeles Rams.
He will wear a brace on his left knee going into Sunday afternoon's game.
The Commanders, meanwhile, were in confident spirits before the game with thousands of fans making the 140-mile journey up the East Coast for the match.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continued his amazing rookie season last week by leading his team to victory against the NFC's No. 1 Seed Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
