The NFL’s decision to announce Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show has sparked a wildfire of controversy, one that has quickly spilled into mainstream sports debates. And now, even San Francisco 49ers rising star quarterback Brock Purdy has been asked to share his thoughts on the matter.
“Honestly, I think the halftime show should always be about uniting people, not dividing them,” Purdy said carefully when pressed by reporters. “Bad Bunny’s a global superstar, no doubt. But at the end of the day, the Super Bowl is supposed to represent all of America.”
His comments come at a time when thousands of NFL fans have already gone online to declare they will boycott the event unless the league reverses course and replaces Bad Bunny with what they call an “American performer.” The backlash is fueled by several key points. Bad Bunny, who is Puerto Rican, sings mostly in Spanish, with minimal English lyrics. For some fans, this feels like a political statement more than a cultural celebration.
The criticism has only intensified due to Bad Bunny’s outspoken political views. He has taken direct aim at former President Donald Trump, while also canceling an entire U.S. tour over fears of ICE enforcement at his shows. “F***ing ICE could be outside my concert,” he said at the time, adding that he and his team were deeply concerned about the safety of his audience.
Supporters of the decision, however, argue that Bad Bunny is the perfect choice to showcase the NFL’s growing international audience. With record-breaking streams, multiple Grammy wins, and stadiums packed across North and South America, his influence cannot be denied. Bad Bunny himself credits his success in the U.S. to Latino communities: “At the end of the day, my success in the United States I owe to the hardworking Latinos who have helped make the country what it is today.”
Still, for many traditional fans, that explanation isn’t enough. The Super Bowl halftime show is not just entertainment — it’s a cultural statement. And in a time when politics and identity dominate national conversation, the league’s choice is being scrutinized like never before.
Purdy, though, refused to stoke the flames. Instead, he urged balance: “Whether it’s Bad Bunny or somebody else, I just hope the focus stays on the game and what the Super Bowl is about. People can disagree, but at the end of the day, football should bring us together.”
Whether his diplomatic response will calm tensions remains to be seen. For now, one thing is certain: the NFL’s decision has made the halftime show headline news months — even years — before kickoff.