Despite a wave of criticism from former President Donald Trump and his supporters, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has unequivocally reaffirmed that Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show, signaling the league’s commitment to immense popularity and a globally unifying performance.
The stage for Super Bowl LX is set, not just for gridiron action, but for a global cultural moment. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, that the league is standing firmly by its decision to feature Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny as the halftime show’s headline performer. This reaffirmation comes despite significant backlash, notably from former U.S. President Donald Trump and his conservative base.
Goodell’s comments came during his news conference following the annual fall owners meeting, marking the first time he has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding the artist’s selection, which was initially announced in late September. The choice has since garnered worldwide attention, boosting streams of Bad Bunny’s music even as it fueled criticism.
“It’s carefully thought through,” Goodell stated, acknowledging the typical scrutiny that accompanies such high-profile decisions. “I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching.” This sentiment underscores the immense pressure and diverse audience that the Super Bowl halftime show commands each year.
The Unstoppable Rise of Bad Bunny
At 31 years old, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known globally as Bad Bunny, has cemented his status as a cultural phenomenon. His selection by the NFL is a testament to his immense popularity, a point Goodell emphasized. “He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world,” Goodell said, highlighting the league’s aim to deliver top-tier entertainment value. “That’s what we try to achieve. It’s an important stage for us. It’s an important element to the entertainment value.”
The artist is known for performing primarily in Spanish and is expected to continue this tradition at the Super Bowl, a decision that further broadens the show’s global appeal. His commitment to his roots is also evident in his past actions, such as a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, during which he avoided mainland U.S. stops due to concerns about mass deportations of Latinos. This stance has made him a figure of political significance, particularly in opposition to Trump’s policies.
Presidential Critique and the NFL’s Vision
The controversy escalated with former President Donald Trump’s comments on the conservative news network Newsmax, where he claimed he had “never heard of” Bad Bunny. “I don’t know who he is,” Trump remarked, adding, “I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s, like, crazy. And then they blame it on some promoter they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”
Despite this high-profile dismissal, Goodell expressed unwavering confidence in the upcoming performance. “We’re confident it’s going to be a great show,” he assured, hinting at the possibility of additional talent joining Bad Bunny on stage. “He understands the platform that he’s on, and I think it’s going to be exciting and a united moment.” The league’s focus remains on leveraging the platform for broad appeal, as detailed by The Associated Press.
The Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with the San Francisco 49ers hosting. Whether Trump will attend remains uncertain, though he has frequently made appearances at major sporting events during his second term in the White House.
Beyond the Halftime Hype: Key NFL Discussions
While Bad Bunny dominated the headlines, Commissioner Goodell’s news conference also covered several other pertinent NFL topics, offering insights into the league’s ongoing operational and strategic considerations.
The ‘Tush Push’ Maneuver: On Hold for Now
The much-debated “tush push” quarterback sneak, a highly successful maneuver primarily employed by the Philadelphia Eagles, was a hot topic. Following an unsuccessful effort to ban it in the spring, discussions have largely been tabled for the current season. Senior VP of football operations Troy Vincent previously noted that the primary concern revolved around the difficulty of officiating the play effectively. Goodell echoed this, stating, “It’s something we will continue to monitor on all phases, just like we do every other aspect of the game. We don’t have any proposals to bring it back up. It wouldn’t surprise me if something does evolve. But it’s not something we’re really focused on during the season.”
Game Timings and Kickoff Adjustments
Goodell provided an update on game lengths, noting a remarkable trend: despite a surge in kick returns due to adjustments to the “dynamic kickoff” rule, overall game times have actually decreased through the first seven weeks of the season compared to last year. He acknowledged that increased kickoffs lead to “more fouls” and “different sets of fouls,” potentially adding to game length, yet the league’s efforts to streamline play have been effective. This ongoing analysis of game flow is crucial for fan engagement, a sentiment also reported by ESPN in their coverage of the commissioner’s remarks.
Future of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
Discussions about a potential move to an 18-game regular season and other collective bargaining topics are currently on hold. Goodell revealed he had met with interim Players Association executive director David White, but stated that any substantive negotiations would likely await the union’s selection of a long-term leader. The current CBA runs through the 2031 league year. White had previously indicated that an 18-game season was not a foregone conclusion, emphasizing the complexity of future negotiations. “The negotiations will be a lot more than just simply the 18 and two (exhibition games),” Goodell explained, noting the myriad issues both sides intend to raise.
Selecting Future Super Bowl Sites
The league is actively working to choose host cities for the Super Bowl to conclude the 2028 and 2029 seasons. Goodell anticipates that announcements regarding these future sites will be made next year, continuing the tradition of planning well in advance for the league’s pinnacle event.
A Halftime Tradition of Commentary and Unification
The Super Bowl Halftime Show has a long history of sparking conversations, both for its musical spectacle and its cultural relevance. From wardrobe malfunctions to politically charged performances, the show often reflects the broader societal landscape. By firmly backing Bad Bunny, the NFL is not just selecting a popular artist; it’s making a statement about inclusivity, global appeal, and the power of music to unite, even amidst political divisions. The league, and Goodell, appear ready for the “united moment” they envision, hoping the performance will transcend the immediate criticism and be remembered as a vibrant celebration on football’s biggest stage.
