It’s impossible to be neutral throughout a Reba McEntire song. With nearly 45 years of expertise, the country music superstar has delivered heartfelt hits and beautiful ballads. As a result, it may not have surprised anyone that she moved one of the toughest guys in sports to tears with her rendition of the National Anthem prior to kickoff on Super Bowl Sunday.

McEntire’s spectacular performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” helped kick off the football championship game. The camera panned over the players as they prepared to take the field, and her words echoed through the bars. Chris Jones, a defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, stared into the camera as tears ran down his cheeks, while the rest of the squad kept their heads down, trying to concentrate on the vital game ahead of them.

The music, Reba’s voice, and the intense emotions leading up to the game had clearly taken a toll on the two-time All-Pro. It was a great, personal moment amidst the massive spectacle of Super Bowl LVIII. McEntire was not the only one who delivered an emotional performance during the pregame festivities. Andra Day delivered a moving rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” while Post Malone sang a folky version of “America the Beautiful” while carrying an acoustic guitar.

McEntire has previously performed in comparable capacities, thus she was well-prepared for this event. As previously reported, she has been singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” for years, but this was her first time performing at the Super Bowl. In an interview with CBS Mornings following the news of the performance, McEntire noted, “I’ve been singing the National Anthem for a very long time.”

“I began singing in 1974, singing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City.” “I sang the National Anthem there for ten years.” All that practice has clearly paid off for The Voice mentor and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee.