Winter Olympics 2026: How 'Free Bird' became the anthem to USA hockey

Every U.S. goal at these Olympics is met with Lynyrd Skynyrd's iconic song from 1973, and American fans are loving it.
Whiskey Riff

“FREE BIRD”: Team USA’s Iconic Goal Song Is Ringing Early & Often In Milan

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s iconic rock anthem will live on forever, if only so the joke of yelling to play “Free Bird” at random ...

USA hockey goal song, explained: How 'Free Bird' became the U.S. anthem for 2026 Olympics

Here's how the song became the heartbeat of USA hockey. Team USA's goal song at the 2026 Milan Olympics is "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. This is the second straight tournament on the men's side where ...
The Cheat Sheet

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Free Bird’ Has Unintentionally Ridiculous Lyrics

Classic rock can get a little melodramatic. For example, the lyrics of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” don’t warrant the tune’s over the top instrumental. The song was a hit but it missed the No. 1 spot.