Jason Kelce Defends Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Slot Amid Cultural Backlash

By Elena Vasquez, October 14, 2025

PHILADELPHIA – Former NFL star Jason Kelce ignited a firestorm of debate this week with a fiery defense of Bad Bunny’s selection as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer, slamming critics as out of touch with America’s evolving identity. “If Bad Bunny is a bad fit for the Super Bowl, then maybe the people making these comments are a bad fit for America’s future,” Kelce declared on his podcast,

New Heights, co-hosted with brother Travis Kelce. The comment, made during a lively October 13 episode, has sparked a polarized reaction, amplifying tensions over cultural representation in one of America’s most-watched events.

The controversy erupted after the NFL announced on October 10 that Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar, would headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show in New Orleans. Known for chart-toppers like “Tití Me Preguntó” and “Dákiti,” the 31-year-old artist has shattered streaming records and brought Latin music to global prominence. Yet, the decision drew immediate backlash from some conservative commentators and fans who argued the Super Bowl – a cultural touchstone viewed by over 100 million annually – should prioritize “traditional American” acts. Posts on X amplified the sentiment, with one viral thread claiming, “Bad Bunny? Why not a heartland rocker like Springsteen again? This ain’t the Latin Grammys.”

Kelce, a beloved Philadelphia Eagles legend and ESPN analyst, didn’t hold back in addressing the criticism. “This is the United States in 2025, not 1985,” he said on the podcast, which garnered 2.3 million listens within hours. “Bad Bunny’s music slaps, and he’s a global phenomenon. America’s a melting pot, and if you can’t handle a Puerto Rican guy owning the stage, maybe you’re the one who doesn’t get what this country’s about.” The remarks, delivered with Kelce’s signature blunt charm, resonated with fans who see the NFL’s choice as a nod to the growing influence of Latino culture, but they also fueled accusations of “woke pandering” from detractors.

The backlash mirrors previous Super Bowl controversies, like the 2020 halftime show featuring Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, which also faced criticism for its Latin flair. Data from the Pew Research Center shows Latinos make up 19% of the U.S. population in 2025, with Puerto Ricans alone numbering over 5.8 million, a demographic reality that supporters say the NFL is wisely embracing. “Bad Bunny isn’t just a musician; he’s a cultural force,” says Maria Gonzalez, a professor of cultural studies at NYU. “His selection reflects the mainstreaming of Latin music, which has dominated streaming platforms like Spotify, where Bad Bunny has held the top global artist spot for three years running.”

Critics, however, argue the choice alienates the NFL’s core audience. Radio host Buck Sexton, a prominent conservative voice, posted on X: “The Super Bowl is for football fans, not reggaeton stans. This feels like a deliberate middle finger to Middle America.” The post racked up 15,000 likes, reflecting a sentiment echoed across conservative media. Some pointed to Bad Bunny’s outspoken political activism – including his criticism of U.S. policies toward Puerto Rico and his support for progressive causes – as evidence of a mismatch with the Super Bowl’s traditionally neutral stage. A 2024 Billboard report noted Bad Bunny’s $10 million donation to Hurricane Maria recovery efforts, underscoring his influence beyond music, but also his polarizing persona.

Kelce, whose podcast has become a cultural barometer since his 2023 retirement, doubled down in a follow-up X post: “Bad Bunny’s got more streams than anyone on the planet. He’s packing stadiums. If that’s not Super Bowl-worthy, what is?” The former center, known for his 2018 Super Bowl parade speech in a Mummer’s costume, has cultivated a fanbase that spans sports and pop culture, amplified by his brother’s high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift. Travis Kelce chimed in on the podcast, joking, “If Taylor can’t do it every year, Bad Bunny’s a damn good pick.” The brothers’ banter, viewed as a defense of inclusivity, has rallied younger fans, with #KelceForBadBunny trending on X.

The NFL, for its part, has stood by the decision. Roc Nation, which has produced the halftime show since 2019, issued a statement: “Bad Bunny represents the vibrancy and diversity of today’s music landscape. We’re thrilled to bring his energy to the Super Bowl.” The league’s embrace of global stars – from Rihanna in 2023 to Kendrick Lamar in 2025 – reflects a strategy to broaden its appeal amid declining traditional TV viewership, which dipped to 115 million for the 2024 Super Bowl, per Nielsen data.

Analysts see Kelce’s comments as a broader statement on America’s cultural fault lines. “Jason’s tapping into a generational shift,” says Dr. Jamal Carter, a sociologist at UCLA. “The backlash isn’t just about Bad Bunny; it’s about who gets to define ‘American.’ The Super Bowl stage is a battleground for that identity.” Posts on X reflect this divide, with supporters like @LatinXFanatic writing, “Kelce gets it. America’s future is diverse, and Bad Bunny’s the perfect headliner,” while critics like @PatriotPulse countered, “Kelce’s out of touch. The Super Bowl should unite us, not push niche agendas.”

As the February 8, 2026, game approaches, the controversy shows no signs of fading. Bad Bunny, who has yet to comment publicly, is reportedly planning a performance featuring collaborations with artists like Shakira and Drake, aiming to bridge cultural gaps. Meanwhile, Kelce’s outspoken defense has cemented his role as a cultural lightning rod, unafraid to challenge traditionalists. “I’m not here to make everyone happy,” he said on the podcast. “I’m here to call it like I see it. Bad Bunny’s gonna crush it, and America’s gonna love it – or at least learn to.”

Whether the performance unites or further divides, one thing is clear: Kelce’s bold stance has reframed the Super Bowl as more than a game – it’s a mirror of America’s evolving soul. With millions watching, Bad Bunny’s halftime show will test whether the nation can dance to a new rhythm.