NFL Tears: See Why Players & Coaches Cry During The Anthem
Is the stoicism we expect from professional athletes just a facade? In the high-stakes world of the National Football League, where gladiatorial combat is the norm, the sight of grown men shedding tears has become surprisingly commonplace, sparking curiosity and conversation among fans and analysts alike.
It began with a simple performance, a rendition of the national anthem. Chris Stapleton's soulful voice filled the stadium, and as the final notes faded, a wave of emotion washed over the field. Nick Sirianni, the Philadelphia Eagles' head coach, found himself unable to contain his feelings, tears streaming down his face, a moment captured on national television. One Twitter user reacted online, observing, "Chris Stapleton just made an NFL head coach cry on national television with his sweet sweet rendition of the national anthem."
The moment was a microcosm of a larger trend. It wasn't just the coach; it was also the players. The Kansas City Chiefs' defensive tackle, Chris Jones, has become something of a legend in this regard. Often caught on camera crying during the national anthem, he's earned himself the moniker of the "biggest cry guy in NFL history," according to some fans. "Someone sings or plays the national anthem and Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones cries," the observation goes, highlighting the predictability of this emotional display.
This isn't merely an isolated incident. Knowshon Moreno, during a game between the Denver Broncos and the Chiefs, found himself overwhelmed with emotion during the anthem. Cameras also captured the emotional reactions of players, including Chris Jones crying uncontrollably during a divisional round game against the Houston Texans. Fans, too, noticed the trend, with one commenting during the AFC championship game that they couldnt help but notice Jones crying.
The phenomenon extends beyond pre-game rituals. After the Detroit Lions home playoff game, cameras zoomed in on a man who was also moved to tears. Even during the post-game celebrations, the raw emotion can be palpable. Jason Kelce, after the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl 52 victory, shared that he found himself weeping in the shower leading up to the 2018 game, demonstrating that the emotional impact of these games, and the pressures that come with them, can be significant.
The sight of these normally stoic athletes breaking down has touched a chord with fans, who are often left wondering, what's behind the tears? Its a question that speaks to the vulnerability of these players, their humanity, and the immense pressures they face. Many want to know why this is happening, particularly in a sport where displays of toughness are so often lauded.
The emotional reactions are not limited to the anthem or moments of victory. The draft can also stir strong feelings. On April 30th, 2022, a video of George Pickens went viral. He was reacting to being drafted, and he was visibly moved by the occasion. He, like Kelce, Jones, and others, show the powerful emotional weight behind the sport.
The trend has also extended to the personal. Travis Kelce, an All-Pro tight end, was seen moved to tears as his then-girlfriend, Taylor Swift, sang to him during a game. These intimate moments, captured and shared, provide a rare glimpse of the vulnerability of some of the NFL's toughest players.
The vulnerability displayed by these athletes seems to go against the grain of the sport, but perhaps it is their humanity that draws us in even more. It provides an insight into the pressures of competition, the weight of expectation, and the raw, unfiltered emotions that can bubble to the surface in these intense, high-stakes environments. These reactions often lead to an outpouring of emotion online. One fan captured this saying, emotional wreck over people I dont know.
Here's a brief look at the famous criers in the NFL:
| Player | Position | Team(s) | Notable Crying Moments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Jones | Defensive Tackle | Kansas City Chiefs | During the National Anthem, Divisional Round Game vs. Texans, AFC Championship Game |
| Knowshon Moreno | Running Back | Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins | National Anthem before Broncos vs. Chiefs game |
| Jason Kelce | Center | Philadelphia Eagles | Super Bowl 52 victory |
| Travis Kelce | Tight End | Kansas City Chiefs | When His Girlfriend Taylor Swift was singing to him |
| Nick Sirianni | Head Coach | Philadelphia Eagles | During the American National Anthem |
For further information on Chris Jones, you can consult his official player profile on the Kansas City Chiefs website.
Kansas City Chiefs Official Website
The contrast between the on-field persona of these athletes and the emotional vulnerability they display has sparked debate amongst fans. Some embrace this display of emotion as evidence of the human side of these larger-than-life figures. Others are more critical, wondering if the emotional displays detract from the perceived image of strength and resolve that is so often associated with professional football. Still others, perhaps more pragmatically, suggest that the intensity of professional sports, with its relentless pressure to perform, the physical toll, and the constant scrutiny, can lead to heightened emotional states, which, in turn, manifest in tears.
One can only speculate as to the precise triggers behind the tears. Is it the weight of expectations, the culmination of years of hard work, the passion for the game, or simply the overwhelming nature of the moment itself? Whatever the answer, the fact remains that in a sport known for its displays of brute force, the sight of a player or coach moved to tears offers a poignant reminder of the human element that lies at the heart of the game.
The rise of social media has further amplified these moments. Videos of players crying, celebrating, or simply reacting to the game have quickly gone viral, reaching a vast audience and fostering a sense of connection between the athletes and their fans. These shared moments create a sense of community, reminding fans that even the seemingly invincible figures on the field are capable of feeling deeply.
The impact of these emotional displays extends beyond the individual. They can influence the dynamics of the team, providing a unique view into the culture of the team. For example, Jason Kelce's public display of emotion after a pivotal victory is seen as an example of team camaraderie and a reminder of the bonds forged between players. These moments can be seen as part of the fabric of team identity.
One key factor is the intense pressure of the games themselves. The NFL is a league of high stakes, with millions of dollars, reputations, and legacies on the line. The physical demands of the sport, coupled with the emotional rollercoaster of each game, can lead to a release of emotion. The Super Bowl, the pinnacle of the sport, is the ultimate pressure cooker. The intensity is amplified by the media exposure and the massive audience watching worldwide.
There's also the question of the players' backgrounds and upbringings. Some come from environments where expressing vulnerability was discouraged, while others may have been raised in a culture that is more accepting of emotions. Professional football is a diverse group of players and coaches, and this diversity likely adds another dimension to the emotional equation.
Ultimately, the tears of NFL players provide a fascinating glimpse into the human side of a sport that is often defined by its physical demands. These displays of emotion reveal the vulnerability, passion, and the intense pressure that characterizes the NFL. Whether we see these tears as a sign of weakness or a sign of humanity is up to the individual. What is clear is that they have added another layer of complexity to the game, making it all the more compelling to watch.
