When did the national anthem begin to be played at NFL games?

The national anthem began to be played at NFL games during World War II, with its first notable occurrence in 1942 when the league encouraged teams to play it before games. Over time, this practice became a tradition, solidifying the anthem's place in American sports culture. By the 2000s, it was standard for the national anthem to be performed before each game, especially during high-profile events like the Super Bowl.