ESPN holds pre-game prayer for Cotton Bowl following criticism for not playing national anthem after terrorist attack.

The Cotton Bowl game between Ohio State and Texas on Friday night was covered by ESPN, which aired a prayer on the field prior to the start of the game.

The prayer was led by former Cotton Bowl Athletic Association chair, Fred McClure, following a moment of silence to honor those who have perished in the California wildfires and the New Orleans terrorist attack that claimed 14 lives on January 1st.

We seek your blessings today, loving father, for all those gathered here and especially for those on the field as we come together to celebrate the 89th Cotton Bowl Classic. We lift up the young men representing the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns, keeping them safe from injury and harm. We also ask that you instill within them a deep respect for one another and reward them for their perseverance.

"We are thankful for the freedom and privilege to compete and connect through sports in this country. However, we are aware of those who are unable to participate due to violence, poverty, or discrimination. Lord, we ask you to stir our hearts to break down these barriers by striving to give our best, treating others with dignity and respect, and reflecting your grace and kindness in all that we do. Now receive all your glory, power, and honor forever, amen."

The Buckeyes advanced to the national championship game against the Fighting Irish after defeating Texas 28-14.

ESPN has decided to air a pre-game prayer after facing criticism for not showing the national anthem before the Sugar Bowl game in New Orleans, which was rescheduled from January 1 to January 2 following the New Orleans attack.

Despite backlash, the network aired the Sugar Bowl's national anthem later in the week on "SportsCenter." However, many fans still thought it was too late. The network also made sure to air the national anthem before the Orange Bowl between Penn State and Notre Dame.

The Sugar Bowl also faced criticism from other companies.

Allstate CEO Tom Wilson sparked controversy on social media with a video message about the New Orleans terror attack, in which he claimed Americans are addicted to divisiveness and need to embrace diversity.

In the video, Wilson says, "Our prayers went to the victims and their families. We must be stronger together by overcoming an addiction to divisiveness and negativity. Join Allstate in local communities across America to amplify the positive, increase trust, and accept people's imperfections and differences. Together, we win."

After the video aired, numerous fans threatened to cancel their Allstate insurance policies.

Allstate later deleted the video from its social media accounts.

Subscribe to the Planet Chronicle Sports Huddle newsletter and follow Planet Chronicle Digital's sports coverage on X.