The mother of Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Elijah Roberts stunned NFL fans with a ‘beautiful’ performance of the national anthem on Saturday.
Shanda Roberts took center stage at Raymond James Stadium just moments before her son’s team kicked off against the Carolina Panthers in a huge game.
And, wearing her son’s No. 95 jersey, her stunning performance of The Star-Spangled Banner set social media ablaze with fans quick to praise her.
One viewer commented: ‘What a beautiful moment for “mom” to sing the National Anthem before the Panthers – Bucs game. She did a fantastic job and it was heartwarming! Well done!’
Another posted: ‘That’s dope they letting his momma sing the National Anthem’.
A third added: ‘Mama Roberts. First National Anthem of the NFL new year. Killed it. Even shed a tear.’
The mother of Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Elijah Roberts sang the national anthem Saturday
Roberts looked emotional on the sideline and gave his mom a huge round of applause after
‘How sweet Roberts’ mama, Shanda, sang the national anthem and she did great too! Proud son,’ another commented.
Another viewer wrote: ‘So cool to see Shanda Roberts – mom of Bucks rookie DL Elijah Roberts – nail the national anthem before Bucs-Panthers today and get a big hug from her son on the field afterwards.’
Cameras caught Roberts looking emotional as he watched his mom perform from the sideline.
Once she had finished, he joined the rest of the stadium in giving her a huge round of applause.
During his rookie season, defensive lineman Roberts has used his platform to draw attention to his mom’s non-profit, Pain 2 Purpose, that advocates for survivors of domestic violence.
As a teenager, Shanda’s boyfriend was physically, emotionally and mentally abusive towards her and she has previously admitted it ‘could have killed me’.
Her performance certainly hyped up the Bucs crowd before their huge game against the Panthers with a playoff spot on the line.
The Panthers can clinch the NFC South title with a win and loss because the Buccaneers must win and hope the Atlanta Falcons lose or tie the New Orleans Saints to get in.