By Mitch Rice
When an NFL team marches out onto the gridiron, they like to have a song playing in the background… a kind of anthem or fight song, if you will, that fires the players up for battle with the opponent. The song is normally one they identify with in some way… one they feel represents the spirit of the team and what it means to be part of that team in some way.
However, the anthem isn’t just about inspiring the team. It’s about bringing the fans together so that they all get behind the team and cheer them on to — hopefully — victory. Below is a look at some of the best team anthems in the NFL.
Fly, Eagles, Fly (Philadelphia Eagles)
The Philadelphia Eagles stadium is renowned for being a fortress, they’re one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl, largely due to their home form. The Eagles march out onto the gridiron at Allegiant Stadium, in Las Vegas, Nevada, they’ll once again hear their anthem, “Fly, Eagles, Fly” pound out of the speakers. The song, written originally by Roger Courtland and Charles Borelli, has a warm tune, but the lyrics provide the team with clear instructions: “Hit ‘em low, hit ‘em high, and watch our Eagles fly. Fly, Eagles, fly, on the road to victory.” Imagine, too, the sensation of a stadium packed with Eagles fans chanting “E-A-G-L-E-S.” Awesome.
The Autumn Wind (Las Vegas Raiders)
If you want an anthem mean enough to strike fear into the hearts of the opponents, “The Autumn Wind,” by Stadium Kings, is the one. The Raiders have had a very disappointing season on the field, they’re a whopping +5000 to win the Super Bowl in the NFL odds but this anthem still gets the crowd going. It’s something of a pirates’ constitution and since it features a spoken intro isn’t really one fans can sing along to. When you hear it though, you can imagine how emboldened the Raiders feel as they march out, ready to score as many points as they can against the opposition.
San Diego Super Chargers (San Diego Chargers)
“San Diego Super Chargers,” performed by the San Diego Super Chargers Band, is a catchy little number that you might want to download to your phone. It’s so funky and warm in spirit that opponents might want to throw down their shoulder pads, helmets and other football paraphernalia, and simply get grooving. Lyrics such as “We’re coming your way, we’re gonna dazzle you with our play” let the audience and the opponents know they’re in for a show. The Chargers have never won a Super Bowl, but some would say they have the best anthem.
Here We Go (Pittsburgh Steelers)
“Here We Go,” sung by Roger Wood, is at least 20 years old and has received a lyrical refresh since it was first written. The tune is simple, and, in the background, you’ll hear the chant of “Here we go” against some slightly aggressive lyrics that talk of certain players knocking opponents around if they get in the player’s way. The song boasts proudly of the Steelers’ Super Bowl record, letting opponents know just who they’re up against.
Skol Vikings (Minnesota Vikings)
You don’t have to be a genius to deduce from the title that “Skol Vikings” is the anthem for the Minnesota Vikings. The anthem, played by the Stadium Marching Band, is an instrumental. It’s short. It’s catchy. It’s also very uplifting, and yet at the same time there’s a hint of gritty determination about the anthem. Hearing Vikings fans humming along to this one will make your day.
The Bengals Growl (Cincinnati Bengals)
The lyrics of the “Bengals Growl,” performed by ML Music and the Cincinnati Pep Band, describe the Bengal tiger as “mean and angry” and “mean and hungry,” likening the team to the animal. Like the Eagles’ “Fly, Eagle, Fly,” the song issues the team with some crystal clear instructions: “Touch down, Bengals. Get some points up on that board and win a game for Cincinnati.” It’s a cheerful anthem that inspires while also stating what it expects of its team.
Bear Down, Chicago Bears (Chicago Bears)
Several artists have covered the Chicago Bears anthem, including the Chicago Symphony Chorus. The anthem has a very historical feel about it. Very few will deny the creativity of the lyrics “We’ll never forget how you thrilled the nation with your T-formation.” The Bears have only lifted the Lombardi trophy once, at the Super Bowl XX after a tremendous season for the team. Their appearance in the Super Bowl saw the release of the “Super Bowl Shuffle.” Until the Bears make it to the NFL’s flagship event again, the NFL, “Bear Down, Chicago Bears” will suit them and the fans nicely.
NFL teams stride out onto the gridiron with some great anthems playing as they do it. Other interesting anthems you might enjoy include the Miami Dolphins’ “Dolphins Fight Song” and the Washington Redskins’ “Hail to the Redskins.”
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
