Mike Brown Slams NFL’s Super Bowl Halftime Choice of Bad Bunny, Sparking Nationwide Debate on Language, Culture, and Tradition

NEW YORK — What was meant to be the NFL’s proudest entertainment announcement of the year has ignited one of the fiercest cultural clashes in recent memory. After unveiling Bad Bunny as the headliner for the Super Bowl 60 Halftime Show, the league expected praise for selecting one of the most streamed and globally recognized artists in the world. Instead, they walked straight into a firestorm — one fueled in no small part by outspoken criticism from Cincinnati Bengals CEO Mike Brown.

The Announcement Heard Around the League

During halftime of the Packers–Cowboys matchup, the NFL revealed that Puerto Rican superstar — real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio — would take center stage in Las Vegas for the most-watched television event in the United States.

The announcement came with full fanfare from Roc Nation and Apple, the league’s key partners in halftime show production.

“Bad Bunny represents the global energy and cultural vibrancy that define today’s music scene,” said Jon Barker, NFL Senior Vice President of Global Event Production. “As one of the most influential artists in the world, his ability to bridge genres, languages, and audiences makes him a natural choice.”

Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation has overseen halftime performances since 2019, added: “We are honored to have him. Bad Bunny has done so much for Puerto Rico and continues to break barriers.”

But within minutes of the reveal, pushback began pouring in.

Bengals CEO Mike Brown’s Viral Reaction

Among the loudest critics was NFL owner Mike Brown, who rarely wades into entertainment debates. But on this issue, the 88-year-old Bengals chief made his stance clear.

“Call me old-fashioned,” Brown told reporters after Sunday’s announcement. “But I believe America’s biggest game should showcase America’s culture. If the performance isn’t in English, it misses the very audience the Super Bowl was built for.”

The statement spread rapidly across sports media and social platforms. Supporters praised Brown for “saying what millions think but won’t say,” while critics accused him of cultural gatekeeping and failing to recognize the NFL’s growing global fan base.

Brown doubled down in a follow-up radio interview: “The Super Bowl is not just a football game; it’s a reflection of who we are. If our kids grow up thinking American traditions don’t matter, what are we passing on to them?”

Fans Divided — Tradition vs. Global Appeal

The NFL’s decision highlights a deep tension: should the halftime show reflect American traditions, or embrace global stardom?

Fans skeptical of Bad Bunny argue that his music, largely in Spanish and rooted in reggaeton and Latin trap, doesn’t connect with the sport’s domestic audience. “This is America’s game, not a Latin music festival,” one critic posted.

Supporters counter that the NFL is right to broaden its scope. “This is huge. Representation matters. He’s breaking barriers for all of us,” one fan wrote.

The hashtag #MikeBrownVsBadBunny trended Sunday night, showing just how polarizing the debate has become.

A Brewing Storm for the NFL

The league has long used the halftime show to balance football with cultural spectacle. Past shows featuring Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Shakira, and Rihanna have drawn both acclaim and backlash. But the reaction to Bad Bunny feels different — not only because of the language barrier, but also the culture-war overtones attached.

“This isn’t just about music. It’s about identity, language, and what the NFL wants to represent,” said Dr. Elaine Torres, professor of sports and society at NYU. “By choosing Bad Bunny, the league is signaling that it’s moving beyond American borders — and not everyone is ready for that.”

Sponsors Watching Closely

Sources say several Super Bowl advertisers are closely monitoring the uproar. While none have criticized the NFL publicly, industry insiders warn that sponsors worry cultural backlash could overshadow the game itself.

“Advertisers want celebration, not controversy,” one marketing analyst explained. “The NFL may need to adjust, or risk alienating part of its base.”

What Comes Next

Neither the NFL nor Bad Bunny has directly addressed Brown’s criticism, but silence may not be an option much longer. Some speculate the league could add a co-headliner — perhaps a mainstream English-speaking artist — to balance the lineup. Others believe the NFL will double down, betting that Bad Bunny’s global reach outweighs domestic criticism.

Meanwhile, Brown shows no signs of backing down. In his latest remarks, he warned: “If we ignore the values this country was built on, if our children are taught to replace them with something else, then the Super Bowl loses its soul.”

Conclusion: A Cultural Showdown in the Making

The Super Bowl has always been more than football — it is America’s cultural mirror. By choosing Bad Bunny, the NFL has ignited a clash between tradition and globalization, English and Spanish, sports and identity politics.

For Mike Brown, the choice represents a betrayal of American heritage. For the NFL, it’s a gamble on global relevance. For fans, it’s a question of whether the halftime show will unite — or divide — the nation.

One thing is certain: Super Bowl 60’s halftime spectacle will be remembered long before the first note is played.