PHILADELPHIA, PA (October 2025) — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the sports and entertainment worlds, Jeffrey Lurie, the owner and CEO of the Philadelphia Eagles, has publicly called for the

cancellation of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance — igniting one of the most heated cultural debates of the year.

Lurie, who has been one of the NFL’s most respected figures for over three decades, made his remarks during a live interview with

ESPN Sports Central on Monday. His words were firm, unapologetic, and instantly viral:

“I respect music and the artists, but the Super Bowl is about football, not a circus. Fans come to the stadium to witness top-tier sportsmanship and explosive plays — not a flashy performance that overshadows the essence of football. The NFL needs to remember that.”

Within minutes, the clip spread across social media platforms like wildfire, racking up over 30 million views and sparking intense discussions among fans, analysts, and even other team executives.

A Bold Statement That Split America

Lurie’s comments come just weeks after the NFL confirmed Bad Bunny — the Puerto Rican megastar known for his global hits and flamboyant performances — as the headline act for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show

. While many hailed the decision as progressive and inclusive, others questioned whether it aligned with the traditional spirit of the NFL’s most-watched event.

But no one expected a sitting NFL owner to weigh in so bluntly.

Lurie’s statement immediately polarized audiences. Supporters praised him for “standing up for tradition,” arguing that the Super Bowl should remain focused on athletic excellence rather than celebrity spectacle. Critics, however, accused him of being “out of touch” and “resistant to change.”

One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:

“Finally, someone said it. Football is football — not a music festival.”

Meanwhile, another user countered:

“This isn’t 1970. The halftime show is part of what makes the Super Bowl global. Lurie just doesn’t get it.”

Inside the NFL: Private Frustration, Public Firestorm

According to multiple league insiders, Lurie’s comments have created uneasy tension within the NFL’s executive ranks. Sources told The Athletic that several owners and marketing partners were “caught off guard” by his remarks, fearing it could create unnecessary division within the league’s fan base.

However, others quietly agreed with his sentiment. One anonymous executive reportedly told Fox Sports:

“He said what a lot of us think — the NFL’s turning its biggest moment into a pop concert instead of celebrating the game. Someone had to say it.”

Still, the league has made no indication that Bad Bunny’s show will be canceled or modified. The NFL released a short statement late Tuesday, emphasizing its commitment to “diversity and creativity” while declining to comment directly on Lurie’s words.

Fans and Celebrities Weigh In

Lurie’s comments have also drawn reactions from across the entertainment industry. Rock legend Kid Rock reposted Lurie’s quote, adding:

“Finally — someone in the NFL with a backbone. Football ain’t about fashion. It’s about fire, grit, and heart.”

On the other hand, pop star Billie Eilish defended Bad Bunny, writing on Instagram Stories:

“He’s one of the biggest artists in the world. If anyone can unite people, it’s him. The Super Bowl should reflect the times — not run from them.”

The hashtag #FootballNotCircus began trending on X overnight, with fans posting memes, polls, and fiery debates about whether the league has lost its focus on the sport itself.

Tradition vs. Transformation

Jeffrey Lurie’s comments tap into a broader cultural divide — one that has been building for years. The Super Bowl halftime show, once dominated by traditional American acts like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and The Rolling Stones, has evolved into a global spectacle featuring artists like Shakira, Rihanna, and The Weeknd.

Critics argue that this evolution has diluted the game’s traditional identity. Supporters counter that it has brought diversity, inclusivity, and record-breaking viewership to the event.

Sports media analyst Dana Whitaker

summed it up perfectly:

“What Lurie did wasn’t just criticize a show — he reignited the war between old-school values and modern entertainment. The question now is whether the NFL can bridge both worlds.”

The Final Word

As of Wednesday morning, the NFL has not issued any further comment, and Bad Bunny’s representatives have remained silent. But one thing is clear — Jeffrey Lurie’s words have changed the conversation.

Whether you see him as a guardian of football’s legacy or a critic of its cultural evolution, Lurie has reminded America that the Super Bowl is more than a game — it’s a mirror of who we are, and what we choose to celebrate.

And for now, that mirror is reflecting a nation divided between tradition and transformation.