An American troop’s unique rendition of the US national anthem divided opinion before the first NFL preseason game of the year on Thursday night.

Prior to the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions’ meeting in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game, Staff Sergeant Ken Bettinger of the Ohio National Guard sang the Star Spangled Banner to fans at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Yet given he is not a singer by nature, Bettinger’s performance left viewers torn on the night, with some mercilessly criticizing his vocals on social media.

‘My man just sang the national anthem in like 4 different keys in the Hall Of Fame Game. That’s usually talent, but I think… not so much this time,’ one user wrote on X.

Another commented: ‘Love the troops, but damn that was a terrible national anthem’.

‘This guy singing the national anthem is not a good singer,’ a third brutally concluded.

While one even claimed: ‘no troll this [is] one of the worst National Anthem’s I’ve ever heard’.

NFL fans mercilessly criticized an American troop’s national anthem performance on Thursday

The Star Spangled Banner played out before Thursday’s 2025 Hall of Fame Game in Ohio

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However, others heaped praise on Bettinger for ‘normalizing’ the Star Spangled Banner compared to celebrity singers.

‘That’s a good national anthem. Normalize having people that live it sing it instead of so called famous people. Let someone who loves their country and truly put there life on line to protect it sing it,’ argued one fan.

Another put: ‘Outstanding National Anthem!!’

‘That’s how a man sings the National Anthem!’ posted a third.

While another said: ‘Bruh sang that National Anthem with his soul’.

The Lions are kicking off their quest for a first ever Super Bowl тιтle against the Chargers in the Hall of Fame game, which opens the NFL’s preseason schedule.

Dan Campbell’s men fell way short last season, going one-and-done in the playoffs after having the best regular season in Detroit’s history. 

The Chargers are also coming off a season that ended with a loss in their playoff opener, a wild-card game against Houston. But it was a different vibe in Los Angeles where Jim Harbaugh came in and led a six-win improvement.

The Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions are kicking off the NFL’s 2025 preseason schedule

Expectations are high for both teams but it’s a long road to the Vince Lombardi trophy. It starts in the exhibition opener, which takes place two days before the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Football fans across the country are celebrating the return of NFL action with the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. 

Despite the fact it’s just a preseason match-up, supporters are ready to embrace the return of the sport six months on from Super Bowl LIX.

Taking to X, one fan wrote: ‘I’m watching this pre season game tonight like it’s the damn Super Bowl! Football is back! #NFL’ 

Another user on the platform wrote: ‘It’s only pre season but we finally have real life football to watch. The NFL season is finally here!’

‘Wow we made it through the offseason. Another NFL season on the way. Pre season is back tonight,’ a third said.