The NFL is facing a storm of controversy after Philadelphia Eagles president Jeffrey Lurie officially submitted a petition demanding the removal of Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show. In a stunning escalation, Lurie reportedly voiced his outrage directly to league officials and went so far as to threaten that the Eagles could strike if his demands are ignored.
According to sources close to the team, Lurie argued that the selection of Bad Bunny sends the “wrong message” and risks alienating large segments of fans. His stance has already sparked heated reactions across the football world, with critics accusing him of politicizing the sport’s biggest stage while supporters insist the NFL should reconsider its choice.
The announcement comes on the heels of growing national debate, after Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski recently made inflammatory remarks about Bad Bunny, calling him “anti-American” and even suggesting ICE agents should appear at the halftime show. Lurie’s petition, however, marks the first time an NFL executive has taken formal action against the performer’s scheduled appearance.
Fans, players, and cultural figures are already flooding social media with responses. Some are praising Lurie for “taking a stand,” while others are slamming him for attacking one of the most globally celebrated artists and threatening to turn football’s biggest celebration into a political battlefield.
The NFL has yet to issue an official statement, but insiders suggest that commissioner Roger Goodell is under mounting pressure to address the controversy. Whether the league stands firm or caves to demands could define not only the halftime show but also the broader image of the NFL heading into its biggest global stage in 2026.