Legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre has ignited a fresh controversy by publicly opposing the National Football League's decision to have global music sensation Bad Bunny headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show in 2026. The Green Bay Packers icon expressed his disapproval during a recent episode of his podcast, '4th and Favre,' proposing an alternative vision for the spectacle that centres on patriotism and traditional American music.
Favre's Patriotic Pitch for the Halftime Stage
The conversation on the podcast took a decisive turn when Favre and his host, David Kano, delved into the topic of the Super Bowl's entertainment. When asked who he believed should perform, Favre did not hesitate to share his preference for country music stars known for their patriotic themes. "I’d maybe go with Jason Aldean," Favre stated. "Someone who loves this country, and that everyone can relate to. Right now, he’s a bigger patriot and has a great voice. But I also like George Strait; he’s old school. There are a lot of choices out there."
Favre's comments are not isolated. They arrive amidst a wave of conservative backlash against the NFL's selection of Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny for the milestone event, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Despite the artist's staggering global success—boasting over 77 million monthly listeners on Spotify and record sales surpassing 100 million—detractors argue that his outspoken political views and Spanish-language performances are misaligned with what they perceive as core "American values."
A Clash of Visions: Patriotism vs. Global Appeal
Reflecting on a more traditional Super Bowl experience, Favre recalled the powerful impact of Whitney Houston's iconic national anthem performance. "I remember when Whitney Houston sang the national anthem and I was blown away," Favre reminisced. "If you didn’t have tears in your eyes watching and listening to that, something’s wrong with you. I envision a national anthem and a halftime show, they’re two different things but, it really grabs you." While he avoided direct criticism of Bad Bunny's musical talent, his message was unequivocal: the Super Bowl should be a celebration of national unity and the American spirit.
This sentiment has found resonance among other prominent conservative figures. House Speaker Mike Johnson and commentators like Benny Johnson and Tomi Lahren have publicly echoed Favre's concerns. The dissent has even materialised into petitions urging the NFL to replace Bad Bunny with what they deem "family-friendly" acts such as George Strait or Lee Greenwood.
The NFL Stands Firm Amidst the Storm
Despite the mounting criticism, the National Football League is holding its ground. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has firmly defended the choice of Bad Bunny. "He’s one of the leading and most popular in the world. That’s what we try to achieve... We’re confident it’s going to be a great show," Goodell asserted. Adding weight to the league's position, Roc Nation founder Jay-Z, whose company produces the halftime spectacle, dismissed the controversy, reminding a global audience that the show's primary purpose is to unite and entertain millions of viewers across the planet.
As the countdown to Super Bowl LX continues, the debate over what truly represents the spirit of America's most-watched sporting event intensifies. Whether the audience aligns with Brett Favre's call for a patriotic tribute or celebrates the inclusive, global star power of Bad Bunny, one fact is beyond dispute: the halftime show will once again command the spotlight and set the pulse racing for the entire nation.
