Folk Singer-Songwriter Chosen for High-Stakes Broncos-Patriots Matchup
Nathaniel Rateliff, Colorado’s acclaimed folk singer-songwriter, will perform the national anthem before the Denver Broncos face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High. The performance marks a significant moment as the Broncos host their first conference championship game at home in a decade, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. local time.
Rateliff’s selection underscores the regional pride surrounding the matchup. The St. Louis-born artist, who relocated to Denver early in his career, has become synonymous with Colorado’s music scene and represents the authentic Americana spirit the NFL sought for this high-pressure contest.
A Career Built on Authenticity
Born October 7, 1978, Nathaniel began playing music in church before teaching himself guitar and crafting his own songs. His breakthrough came in 2013 when he formed Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats, a band that blends folk, soul, blues, and rock into deeply emotional performances. Their hit single “S.O.B.” propelled them to national recognition, establishing Rateliff as a touring powerhouse respected for powerful live shows and heartfelt songwriting.
This isn’t Rateliff’s first time performing the anthem for the Broncos—he sang before a home game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2015. His musical style, rooted in organic storytelling rather than flashy spectacle, provides the perfect tone-setter for a championship game that demands focus and gravitas.
Championship Game Details
The matchup carries enormous stakes. Both the Broncos and Patriots enter with identical 14-3 regular-season records, though the Broncos face a critical challenge: star quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury and will miss the game. Backup Jarrett Stidham takes the helm against a Patriots team featuring a perfect 8-0 road record this season.
The Broncos’ defense ranks among the NFL’s best, but weather conditions will be brutal—temperatures are expected to drop as low as 3°F with snow in the forecast. The winner advances to Super Bowl LX.
Beyond the Anthem
The pregame festivities extend beyond Rateliff’s performance. The Broncos will honor their storied franchise by welcoming Hall of Famer Champ Bailey as the Alumni Flag Planter and naming legendary quarterback John Elway as Honorary Captain. No halftime performer has been announced as of publication.
Fans are advised to be in their seats by 12:40 p.m. local time to experience the full pregame experience, including the Thunderstorm skydiving team and Miles the Mascot.
The game will broadcast on CBS at 3 p.m. ET, with streaming available on Paramount+ and the NFL+ app.
