Who is singing the National Anthem at Seahawks versus Lions?

The Seattle Seahawks face a major challenge Monday night in Detroit as they face the Lions. Singing the National Anthem before the game can be just as challenging. So, who's stepping up this week at Ford Field?

The Seahawks will have their hands full when they square off against the Lions on Monday night at 5:15 Pacific time. Several players must step up with all the injuries the Hawks are facing. The defense in particular will be shorthanded. So far, Detroit's offense has underperformed this season. Their own offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, said they're "too talented a group" not to score more than they are. This is the perfect setup for the Lions offense to explode.

Hopefully the Seahawks excellent defense can keep the Lions in check. Or at least hold them to fewer points than their pals on offense can put on the board. The Hawks have won six straight against the Lions, but have allowed at least 29 points in the last three games. Seattle will have to be at the top of their game - much like the performer who will kick things off Monday night with the National Anthem.

National Anthem performer for Seahawks versus Lions in Week 4

Brian d'Arcy James gets the spotlight Monday night at Ford Field. He may not be a household name in the Pacific Northwest, but there's a very good chance you've seen or heard him before. Assuming you like things like movies or television. You do have a life outside your love of the Hawks, don't you, 12s?

I imagine one reason the Lions chose Mr. James is that he's a native of Michigan - a Michigander, as they say in the Great Lakes State. You know, I grew up in Michigan, and never wondered until now why they don't call the ladies Michigooses. Seems kind of sexist to me. It's time for equality, guys!

Performer biography: who is Brian d'Arcy James?

As for James, he has a few other items on his CV that qualified him to sing the National Anthem on Monday night. He's appeared in dozens of TV shows, including recurring roles in 13 Reasons Why and Evil. He's also been in nearly as many films, most notably taking on the role of Sergeant Krupke in Steven Spielberg's West Side Story.

The stage is where Mr. James earned his flowers, as the kids say these days. In 1988, he was part of the 3rd national tour of Les Miserables. He's played in everything from Sweet Smell of Success and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels to Young Frankenstein and White Christmas. His most notable roles would be the lead in Shrek the Musical and King George III in Hamilton. Busy guy, that Brian d'Arcy James.

Here's a clip from Shrek, the Musial. Yes, James is the big green guy.

Besides busy and multitalented with an extremely broad range - Les Mis to Shrek, anyone - James picked up his fifth Tony nomination this year for his work in The Days of Wine and Roses. This is a gentleman who can act and sing, 12s. I only hope he doesn't bring the Lions the same level of success he's brought to the stage and screen.

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