NFL Players Criticize Bad Bunny as Super Bowl Halftime Pick

Anonymous players voice sharp criticism of the league's choice of the Puerto Rican superstar as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Several anonymous NFL players have spoken out against the league's selection of Bad Bunny as the performer for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, voicing sharp criticism in an exclusive interview with The Athletic. One NFC player questioned the NFL's direction, saying the league is 'trying too hard with this international stuff' and arguing the halftime show 'should be an American.' Another anonymous player from the AFC went even further, telling the outlet, 'I think there are better examples of character and morality than Bad Bunny.'

Why it matters

The comments highlight growing frustration among some players who feel the league's entertainment choices no longer reflect its core fan base. While the NFL has increasingly leaned into global stars to expand its international reach, the backlash suggests the strategy is not universally embraced inside locker rooms.

The details

Despite the criticism, Bad Bunny remains one of the most streamed artists in the world and a major draw for younger and international audiences — a key reason the league has leaned heavily into crossover appeal in recent years. The NFL has not publicly responded to the remarks, and the league typically avoids commenting on anonymous player opinions.

  • The 2026 Super Bowl halftime show is scheduled to feature Bad Bunny as the performer.

The players

NFC Player

An anonymous NFL player from the NFC conference who questioned the NFL's direction and argued the halftime show 'should be an American.'

AFC Player

An anonymous NFL player from the AFC conference who said 'I think there are better examples of character and morality than Bad Bunny.'

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican superstar musician who is one of the most streamed artists in the world and a major draw for younger and international audiences, leading the NFL to select him as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer.

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What they’re saying

“I think there are better examples of character and morality than Bad Bunny.”

— AFC Player

“The league is 'trying too hard with this international stuff' and arguing the halftime show 'should be an American.'”

— NFC Player

The takeaway

The criticism from anonymous NFL players highlights a cultural divide within the sport as the Super Bowl halftime show continues to evolve beyond traditional expectations, with the league's push for more international appeal not being universally embraced by players who feel the entertainment choices should better reflect the league's core American fan base.