The NFL's inaugural regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia, between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, has generated varied reactions online following the inclusion of a 'Welcome to Country' ceremony before kickoff.
Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin delivered the traditional acknowledgment of Indigenous land, a practice common in Australian professional sports. However, the ceremony prompted confusion among some American viewers, with one questioning if it was the national anthem. "That lady talking wasn’t the anthem?" the viewer posted online.
Another American, identified as Jon Root, criticized the ceremony, calling it "dumb" and comparing it unfavorably to the "Black National Anthem." Some Australian viewers also expressed dissatisfaction, with one commenting, "An American sport, and we’re still sitting through a Welcome to Country."
Conversely, many viewers welcomed the inclusion of the ceremony, highlighting it as an opportunity to showcase Indigenous culture to an international audience. "I can’t believe I’m watching a Welcome to Country on an NFL game right now. Wow, this is so beautiful," one viewer wrote. Another Australian noted the significance of "Australian Indigenous culture on display for Rams v 49ers."
The pre-game presentation also included the Australian and American national anthems, a moment of remembrance for September 11, and an air force flyover. One viewer described the opening ceremonies as "incredible scenes" and "amazing."
The NFL shared highlights of the pre-game ceremony on social media, featuring both national anthems but notably omitting the 'Welcome to Country,' which led some fans to question its absence. The game itself, streamed on Netflix, marked a significant step in the NFL's international expansion efforts.