The Anthem Went Unplayed Until He Took Off His Helmet and Stepped Up

Jackson Dean Nicholson found himself in an unexpected situation when he realized no one was available to sing the national anthem before his high school football game. While the fans and players could have listened to a recording, the high school senior didn’t think a taped version would do the anthem justice. So, this aspiring singer and athlete decided to offer his own live rendition!

The video of his impromptu performance quickly went viral, with thousands praising Nicholson’s creativity and courage. Not only was it incredibly brave to perform in front of such a large crowd, but Nicholson’s acoustic version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” also captivated fans both in the stadium and across the country with its unique country flair.

“It was very cool,” Nicholson told The Baltimore Sun. “I probably knew 90 percent of the people in those stands, and they had no idea I was going to perform until I brought out my guitar,” he said.

Nicholson’s patriotic gesture quickly took the internet by storm, trending on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other social media platforms, and garnering thousands of comments. His performance even made it to Fox News, where it was broadcast to a national audience.

Despite the spur-of-the-moment nature of his performance, Nicholson is as dedicated to his music as he is to his athletic pursuits. His YouTube channel is filled with original songs dating back to his freshman year, showcasing his musical talents. One of his pieces, “Man Upstairs,” has even been made into a music video.

Nicholson’s passion for music outshines his athletic ambitions. “This is my last year playing football,” he says. “I’ve got until January, and then I’m done. I’ll have all my credits, and I only need to be enrolled for this semester. My principal gave me a waiver, and she’s very supportive of what I do.”

What do you think of this high schooler’s performance? Check it out in the video below!