Because Some Traditions Are Too Good to Mess With
There are a few things in life you can set your watch by. The sun comes up. The IRS somehow knows exactly how much you owe but still wants you to do the math yourself. And every fall, Carrie Underwood reminds America that we’ve been “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.”
NBC officially announced that Underwood will return for her 14th consecutive season as the face and voice of Sunday Night Football, making her one of the longest-running musical fixtures in sports television history. At this point, hearing that familiar intro is almost as much a part of Sunday as burnt hot wings, fantasy football arguments, and someone in your group chat insisting this is finally the Cowboys’ year. Sure it is.
This year’s opening sequence leans even harder into Underwood’s rock influences, featuring a fresh version of the familiar anthem, itself inspired by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ classic I Hate Myself for Loving You. According to Carrie, it’s one of her favorite openings yet, embracing what she jokingly called her ongoing “rock star fever dream.” If there’s one thing country music and classic rock have proven over the decades, it’s that guitars solve an impressive number of problems.
I’ll admit something that may surprise some readers. I have never voluntarily sat down and listened to a Carrie Underwood album. Outside of Sunday Night Football, she hasn’t exactly dominated my playlists. That said, when that intro comes on before kickoff… you shut the heck up and watch. She’s an incredible performer, the production is always first-class, and yes, she happens to be remarkably easy on the eyes. Credit where it’s due.
Then the games begin.
Honestly, the NFL practically owns my Sundays. A 9:00 a.m. game from London? Count me in. A random 1:00 kickoff featuring teams I normally wouldn’t care about? I’m watching. A 4:00 game between two franchises I claim to dislike? Somehow I’m still invested. Sunday Night Football? That’s appointment television. The only real challenge is making sure you don’t run out of beer, hot wings, or patience when your fantasy quarterback throws three interceptions before halftime.
As for favorite teams… that’s complicated. I was born near Boston, so I don’t mind the Patriots. Growing up, I tried to throw a football like Dan Fouts, so the old San Diego Chargers always had a place in my heart. Spending a decade in South Florida made it easy to cheer for the Dolphins, especially considering my last name is only one letter away from Marino. And let’s be honest, those New Orleans Saints uniforms have always looked fantastic.
But my real football love?
The University of Miami Hurricanes. That’s the team that gets my blood pressure up every fall. Saturdays belong to The U. Sundays are just the encore.
Carrie Underwood’s career, meanwhile, speaks for itself. After winning American Idol in 2005, she became one of country music’s biggest stars, collecting eight Grammy Awards, dozens of CMA and ACM Awards, and countless other industry honors. Hits like “Before He Cheats,” “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Blown Away,” “Cowboy Casanova,” “All-American Girl,” and “Something in the Water” helped establish her as one of the defining country artists of the past two decades. She has sold tens of millions of albums worldwide and remains one of the genre’s most successful crossover performers.
Now she’s preparing to kick off yet another NFL season when the Dallas Cowboys take on the New York Giants on September 13. Fans can expect a refreshed version of the familiar Sunday Night Football opening featuring new visuals, a heavier rock vibe, and all the stadium-sized energy we’ve come to expect after fourteen straight seasons.
Some performers become part of pop culture.
Others become part of your weekly routine.
Carrie Underwood somehow managed to become both.
And if we’re being honest… football season simply doesn’t feel official until she reminds us we’ve been waiting all day for Sunday night.
While you’re waiting for kickoff, don’t forget to download the Static Live Music Calendar App, your guide to live music across Florida’s east coast, including Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Flagler Beach, and surrounding communities. We’re expanding into new markets soon, so wherever the music takes you, Static Live is coming along for the ride.
