Some viewers declared Fox Sports a winner long before the opening kickoff of Super Bowl LIV, after the network played country music legend Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag” as the soundtrack to a touching video celebrating all that the American flag represents.
In the setup, those watching were told the tribute was to “remind us we’ve been through tough times before, but as a nation, we’ve always come through it together.”
The video featured the women who own NFL teams, the “First Ladies of the NFL,” and Kyle Carpenter, the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient — the retired US Marine received the nation’s highest award for valor in 2014 while serving in Afghanistan.
Johnny Cash wrote “Ragged Old Flag” in 1974, inspired by the political turbulence resulting in Richard Nixon’s impeachment and the Watergate scandal, according to the late singer’s website.
He wrote the song to “reaffirm faith in the country and the goodness of the American people.”
The lyrics include a reminder that the United States can endure much:
And she’s getting threadbare and wearing thin
But she’s in good shape for the shape she’s in
‘Cause she’s been through the fire before
And I believe she can take a whole lot more
The video was certainly more awe-inspiring than the NFL’s decision to feature OJ Simpson, widely seen as a double murderer, even though his pricy legal dream team got him off for killing his ex-wife and a friend, in an opening tribute to the game.
For many proud Americans, the “Ragged Old Flag” spot was a much-desired shot of patriotism right into their veins.
https://twitter.com/jacksonmahorney/status/1224104080248844288?s=20
The Ragged Old Flag by #JohnnyCash Good Job outta you @NFLonFOX #SuperBowlLIV pic.twitter.com/1GTlLZ3wBz
— Mike 🇺🇸 #D4L (@BestBarknCtown) February 2, 2020
#SuperBowl who else cried from the Johnny Cash commercial? We are a large dysfunctional family but WE ARE ONE!!! USA USA USA pic.twitter.com/nx0J06bDnl
— Mary Elizabeth (@marypillow77) February 2, 2020
This pre game American commercial with Kyle Carpenter with Johnny Cash singing Ragged Old Flag in the background is already the highlight of the Super Bowl. This is incredible 😭😭
— Nick Golembieski (@N_Golembieski) February 2, 2020
Others saw it as a “wonderful slap in the face” of the radical left former NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who started taking a knee to protest the national anthem, gaining instant favor with the liberal media.
This old flag was a wonderful slap in the face of @Kaepernick7 #LoveMyCountry #LoveMyFlag
— JRH (@Jim77260770) February 2, 2020
On the other hand, there were plenty who rushed to the defense of Kaepernick, while dissing America.
So the @NFL is gonna make a whole extended video about the #Flag. This is shady af knowing @Kaepernick7 kneeling didn’t have a damn thing to do with the flag. The military personnel make the pledge/commitment to the flag, not all American citizens. #SuperBowlLIV #NFL
— Sharene C. (@MsShareneLee) February 2, 2020
I love Johnny Cash & “Ragged Old Flag” & that was a beautiful commercial that just aired on Fox … but because of the double meaning behind it – it was basically a fuck you to Colin Kaepernick it’s also one of the most inappropriate things I’ve seen broadcast on this stage. #NFL
— Julian Spivey (@julianspivey44) February 2, 2020
ICYMI: That whole bullshit flag segment in the pregame was about @Kaepernick7. Because NFL owners are more patriotic than you. It was, of course, followed by the crowd doing the tomahawk chop. #MayosHeartlandValues
— Heisenberg (@Heisen1berg) February 2, 2020
In post-Obama America, many on the left took offense to a tribute to the greatness of our country.
There was even claims that a tribute to the American flag was offensive because the halftime show featured Latino performers Jennifer Lopez and Shakira — these same people having no problem with the stripper pole being used and the Puerto Rican flag being singled out.
Either way, the hate flowed:
This 90% white people “ragged old flag” piece is bullshit
— TrustMEimFAT (@PJayJacinto) February 2, 2020
Johnny Cash!!!!! Oh hell no, Fox.
— (((Josh Manning))) (@GIJoeMontana) February 2, 2020
That ragged old flag bit was the stinkiest propaganda piece I’ve ever seen
— sam (@Giahottie) February 2, 2020
Tribute: Ragged Old Flag..
Me: pic.twitter.com/qP826S2Sm1
— RÏÇØ SÛÅVÉ?? (@swaggy_rique) February 2, 2020
F*ck that ragged old flag and the inequality and racism it stands for. Educated people know that flag was created for and by people who owned slaves and saw my people as nothing but property to be abused, sold, and destroyed. pic.twitter.com/KwEK4uxBkE
— Elizabeth (@GentleScorpion) February 2, 2020
#SuperBowl the ragged old flag was right wing propaganda, pure and simple.
— 918betty (@918betty1) February 2, 2020
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