There are very few things that get the blood flowing quite like a passionate rendition of theĀ Star-Spangled Banner.
Just ask anyone who watched the performance of Jackson Dean Nicholson, a senior defensive end at Arundel High School, Maryland, a few years ago.
Weāre not talking about his in-game performance, mind, but rather his pre-game delivery of the national anthem. It not only wowed the home crowd, but has also wowing thousands of internet denizens over the years to boot.
As per reports, Nicholson was left with a decision to make after realizing that there was no one else prepared to sing the national anthem prior to his schoolās game. Of course, he could have let the school play a recording over the loud speakers, or alternatively let the crowd belt out the tune themselves.
Nicholson, it would seem, is cut from a different cloth though. Prior to the start of the match, the high schooler stood alone in the middle of the pitch, armed only with an acoustic guitar and a microphone.
He promptly gave one of the best versions of the U.S. national anthem weāve ever heard, so itās no surprise that the video has turned out to be a viral hit that has returned to popularity time and time again.
The video was first uploaded back in 2018, and the fact that itās still equally relevant and equally impressive now is testament to just how well Nicholson can sing.
āIt was very cool. I probably knew 90 percent of the people sitting in those stands, and they had no idea I was doing it ātil I brought my guitar out,ā Nicholson explained to theĀ Baltimore SunĀ at the time.
Watch the breathtaking performance below:
Whilst he might have been kitted out as a senior defensive end for his five minutes of fame, itās music thatās Nicholsonās true passion in life. Heās been writing and singing songs since he was a freshman, and was working on his own album around the same time he went viral.
Given that thereās already a pretty famous guy namedĀ Jack Nicholson, he wisely adopted the stage name Jackson Dean.
Speaking on his football career, Jackson said back in 2018:Ā āThis is my last year, then Iām done. Iāve got until January, Iāll have all my credits done, and I only have to be enrolled for this semester. I got a waiver by my principal and sheās very supportive of what I do.
āIām going to go for it.ā
Best of luck, Jackson!
We simply canāt get over how good Jacksonās performance was, and we want as many people to see it as possible.
If you thought Jacksonās effort was brilliant, share this article to show your support!