The Super Bowl halftime show has always been a cultural lightning rod, and this year is no different. With Bad Bunny set to take the stage at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, the NFL finds itself in the middle of a conversation that stretches far beyond football. And for the first time, we’re hearing directly from the players on how they feel about the league’s choice.
An anonymous poll of NFL players revealed a split opinion on the Puerto Rican superstar, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio. Despite the noise outside the locker room-mostly from political circles-inside the league, the reaction is a bit more measured. According to the poll, 58.6 percent of players supported the decision to have Bad Bunny headline the halftime show, while 41.4 percent expressed disapproval, citing unfamiliarity with his music or a preference for artists more closely tied to traditional football culture.
One NFC offensive player admitted he didn’t even know who Bad Bunny was, adding that the Super Bowl performer “should always be American.” It’s worth noting here that Bunny is American-Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and its citizens are American by birth. But that comment reflects a broader sentiment some players expressed: a desire for the halftime show to feel more rooted in football tradition.
Another player echoed that sentiment, saying he’d prefer “anyone who’s synonymous with football and football culture,” pointing out that there are plenty of artists who are fans of the game and could bring that connection to the stage.
But not everyone in the league is taking issue with the pick. In fact, several players saw the decision as a reflection of the NFL’s growing diversity and cultural reach.
One NFC defensive player acknowledged he doesn’t speak Spanish and isn’t a personal fan of Bad Bunny’s music, but still appreciated the league’s choice: “America is based on diversity. America was built on immigration.
So I feel like having him just furthers that American dream. I like it.
I like the choice.”
Another player, while unfamiliar with Bad Bunny’s catalog, pointed out that the artist is the most-streamed musician on Spotify-a global megastar whose presence could help the NFL reach a broader, younger, and more international audience.
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who’s preparing for the big game this week, also weighed in. Speaking at the Super Bowl’s opening night, Diggs praised the selection, calling Bad Bunny “one hell of an artist” and emphasizing that the league made the choice for a reason.
“He’s one of the biggest artists in the world,” Diggs said. “I even listen to the songs and I can barely say the words.
I think he was a great choice and I look forward to the halftime show.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also addressed the topic during his annual Super Bowl week press conference. While he avoided diving into the political discourse surrounding Bad Bunny’s recent comments-particularly his criticism of ICE during his Grammy acceptance speech-Goodell stood by the league’s decision.
“He understood the platform he was on,” Goodell said. “This platform is used to unite people… I think Bad Bunny understands that and I think he’ll have a great performance.”
Bad Bunny’s Grammy moment was undeniably powerful. After winning three awards, including Album of the Year, he used his speech to deliver a message that resonated far beyond music.
“We are not savage. We are not animals.
We are not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans,” he said to a standing ovation.
“The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.”
That message-of unity, of love over division-is exactly what the Super Bowl halftime stage has come to represent. It’s more than just a concert; it’s a moment that reflects where the league, and the country, are headed.
So while the selection of Bad Bunny may have sparked a political firestorm in some corners, inside the NFL, it’s a more nuanced conversation. Some players are all-in, others are skeptical, but most are watching with curiosity. And come Sunday night, the world will be watching too.