An impassioned performance of the Star-Spangled Banner is one of the few things that can make your heart race.

Just ask any Arundel High School student who saw Jackson Dean Nicholson play as a senior defensive end a few years ago.

We’re not talking about his on-field performance here, but about how he performed the national anthem before the game. Over the years, his performance has surprised a large number of internet users and residents alike.

When he realized no one else was available to perform the national anthem before his school’s game, Nicholson apparently had to make a decision. Of course, he had the choice of allowing the crowd to sing the song or having the school play a recording via the speakers.

Conversely, Nicholson seems to embody a distinct essence. Before the game began, the high school kid stood alone in the center of the field, holding just an acoustic guitar and a microphone.

It’s hardly surprising that the video of him playing the American national anthem rapidly went viral and has since resurfaced, as he delivered one of the finest renditions we’ve ever heard.

The fact that the video, which was originally released in 2018, is still surprising and relevant today demonstrates Nicholson’s talent as a singer.

Nicholson told the Baltimore Sun, “I probably knew 90% of the people in those stands, and they had no idea I was doing it until I pulled out my guitar.”

Watch this fantastic performance below:

Despite dressing as a senior defensive end for his five-minute moment of fame, Nicholson’s true passion in life is music. He’d been creating and performing songs since high school, and he was working on his own record when he went viral.

Given his previous success as an actor, Jack Nicholson deliberately picked the stage name Jackson Dean.

In 2018, Jackson declared that his football career would conclude this year. I have until January when I will have completed all of my credits, and I simply need to enroll for this semester. My principal gave me a waiver and is highly supportive of what I do.

“I’m going to go for it.”

Best wishes! Jackson!

We can’t get over Jackson’s performance, and we want as many people as possible to watch it.