Singing the Canadian National Anthem at the Buffalo Bills Home Opener was a mistake

A general view of Highmark Stadium during the national anthem as fireworks explode before the game in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sept.17, 2026.

(Getty Images)The Buffalo Bills have a longstanding relationship with the people north of the border.The team has a substantial footprint in Canada, with many fans making the short drive to attend Bills games for decades.

The organization even had a 2026 draft pick announced from Canada on the broadcast.Bills owner Terry Pegula also owns the Buffalo Sabres, who sing "O Canada" before every home game, regardless if they are playing a Canada-based team.

I still don't believe this was the right decision on Thursday night.SABRES FANS JUMP IN AS ANTHEM SINGER'S MIC CRAPS OUT DURING 'O, CANADA'While the Barenaked Ladies, a Canadian alternative rock band sung a subpar rendition of "O Canada", the broadcast showcased a massive Canadian flag on the field by one end zone and an American flag on the other.It felt odd to watch the inaugural regular season game of America's newest stadium, featuring American teams exclusively, go out of their way to honor a foreign nation.

Honestly, it came across more like a marketing ploy and virtue signaling more than anything.I know I'm not alone in that sentiment.

Many fans expressed confusion online, including Canadians, and even Fox News Contributor and US Marine Joey Jones scolded the decision.Jones said, "We play the [United States] National Anthem not to honor fans who enjoy entertainment, but to honor the men and women serving this country, providing freedom and security so we can do that during a time of war."Josh Allen No.

17 of the Buffalo Bills stands for the national anthem before the game against the Detroit Lions at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sept.17, 2026.

(Getty Images)FOX NEWS' JOHNNY 'JOEY' JONES REENLISTS IN UNITED STATES MARINE CORPSJones went on to provide a history lesson to the Bills and the National Football League saying, "We play our national anthem becaus...