Do you know that feeling when your blood starts pumping after hearing a passionate rendition of the national anthem? It’s a truly exhilarating experience. Just ask anyone who witnessed the incredible performance of Jackson Dean Nicholson, a senior at Arundel High School in Maryland.

We’re not talking about his on-field performance as a defensive end. We’re talking about his pre-game delivery of the national anthem. It not only captivated the home crowd, but it has also captivated thousands of people on the internet over the years.

You see, Jackson found himself faced with a decision one day. There was no one else willing to sing the national anthem before his school’s game. He could have taken the easy way out and let a recording play over the loudspeakers or relied on the crowd to sing along. But that’s not Jackson’s style. He decided to grab his acoustic guitar and microphone and take center stage on the pitch.

And let me tell you, what followed was one of the best versions of the U.S. national anthem we’ve ever heard. It’s no wonder the video of his performance went viral and continues to capture hearts even now.

The video was first uploaded back in 2018, and it’s still just as impressive and relevant today. This is a testament to just how talented Jackson is. When interviewed by the Baltimore Sun, he expressed his surprise at the reaction to his performance: “It was very cool. I probably knew 90 percent of the people sitting in those stands, and they had no idea I was doing it ’til I brought my guitar out.”

While Jackson may be known on the field as a senior defensive end, music is his true passion in life. He’s been writing and singing songs since his freshman year. In fact, around the same time his video went viral, he was also working on his own album. To avoid confusion with the already famous actor Jack Nicholson, he wisely adopted the stage name Jackson Dean.

Speaking about his future plans, Jackson shared, “This is my last year, then I’m done. I’ve got until January, I’ll have all my credits done, and I only have to be enrolled for this semester. I got a waiver by my principal, and she’s very supportive of what I do. I’m going to go for it.”

We can’t help but be amazed by Jackson’s incredible talent. We want as many people as possible to witness his breathtaking performance. If you were blown away by Jackson’s rendition of the national anthem, join us in sharing this article to show your support! Let’s spread the word about this amazing young musician.