NFL Star Criticizes Bad Bunny’s Character and Morality

The NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl halftime performer has sparked controversy among players. An anonymous AFC offensive player has expressed discontent, stating that there are better examples of character and morality than the Puerto Rican superstar. This comment raises questions about the NFL’s long-standing issues with addressing serious allegations against its players.

Survey Results and Player Opinions

The Athletic conducted a survey among players, revealing that 58.6% supported Bad Bunny as the halftime performer, while 41.4% disagreed. Beyond the moral concerns, many players claimed they were unfamiliar with Bad Bunny and preferred an artist more aligned with football culture.

Bad Bunny’s Achievements

• Won Album of the Year at the Grammys for the first entirely Spanish-language album.
• Most-streamed artist on Spotify in 2025, amassing nearly 20 billion streams.
• Performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2020 with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.

The NFL’s decision to choose Bad Bunny aligns with its goal of expanding its international and Latino audience. Still, the unnamed player’s character concerns remain vague, lacking details on what specific issues prompted the critique.

Character Critique and Context

The player’s concerns may stem from Bad Bunny’s advocacy for immigrants and outspoken criticisms of organizations like ICE. During the recent Grammys, Bad Bunny called for an end to ICE, stating, “we’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we [are] humans, and we are Americans.” This remark was met with a standing ovation but indicates the polarizing nature of his activism.

NFL’s Response and Future Implications

Despite some concerns from NFL owners about Bad Bunny’s selection affecting their ESPN deal, the league supports his performance. Evaluating halftime shows based on character and morality seems misplaced, particularly given the NFL’s history. Ultimately, the primary criterion for such selections should be whether the artist can deliver an entertaining show.

Bad Bunny is set to perform for an estimated 150 million viewers. Those seeking an alternative performance can tune into Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show,” which has been introduced as counter-programming to the Super Bowl.