NFL to Play Black National Anthem Before Games Renee Nash July 2, 2020 at 11:09 pm in NEWS Tweet (Thursday, July 2, 2020) – The NFL is announcing more changes to the upcoming season. According ESPN, the league plans to have the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” performed live or played before every game in Week 1 of the NFL Season. According to reports, the song, often called the “Black National Anthem” will be played before the “Star Spangled Banner.” The season opener is set for September 10th. Tags: nfl black national anthem, nfl to play lift every voice and sing