The decision to have Bad Bunny perform at the Super Bowl halftime show might be the NFL’s biggest misstep in recent memory—a glaring indication of how globalization and the pursuit of international audiences are eroding the core of what the NFL should represent.
For a league that prides itself on being the quintessential American pastime, opting for an artist primarily recognized outside the U.S. signals a troubling shift away from its roots. (Subscribe to MR. RIGHT, a free weekly newsletter about modern masculinity)
Bad Bunny, whose monologue on SNL was already a shameless move for certain fan bases, represents a global appeal that prioritizes commercial expansion over loyalty to the fans who have supported the league for generations.
Sure, the NFL is looking to expand its global footprint, but at what cost? Picking a performer who doesn’t resonate with the core American fan base seems like a blatant disregard for the tradition and culture inherent in American football.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 27: Jack White performs during the halftime show of the game between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 27, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Instead, why not opt for someone like Jack White—a true American icon with deep roots in American music history, and formerly the singer for The White Stripes.
White, who embodies that raw, gritty style of American rock, could capture the spirit of the Super Bowl in a way that actually aligns with the values and passions of loyal fans.
Given his successful and awesome collaboration with Eminem during the Thanksgiving Day game on Thursday, White demonstrated his deep connection to the American music scene and the ability to energize a crowd, making him an ideal candidate for an event as momentous as the Super Bowl.
While globalization might entice league executives in the short run, maintaining the spirit and tradition of the game should be paramount. The Super Bowl deserves an act that celebrates American culture, and Jack White is the kind of artist who hits all the right notes.
