What Do NFL Players Think About Bad Bunny Performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show?

The NFL's biggest stage always brings fireworks, but this year the most surprising tension isn't on the field. It's bubbling quietly inside locker rooms, where opinions are sharper, more personal, and far less predictable.

When the league announced Bad Bunny as the next Super Bowl halftime headliner, the internet did what it always does.

But according to a new anonymous player poll, the real story isn't the outrage you saw coming; it's what players admit after the cameras are off.

A Quietly Divisive Announcement

The September reveal of Bad Bunny as the halftime performer immediately sparked debate across sports and political media, including right-wing backlash after President Donald Trump publicly criticized the choice, according to The Athletic's annual anonymous NFL player survey.

At the league meeting in October, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell dismissed rumors of replacements, insisting the football league was not reconsidering its selection of the "King of Latin Trap."

That response didn't settle the conversation. It merely pushed it underground.

Inside the Locker Room Poll

The Athletic surveyed players across the league, and the results were almost evenly split, with reactions ranging from confused to enthusiastic. What's striking isn't the disagreement; it's why players disagree.

For many who weren't thrilled, the issue wasn't politics or culture wars. It was something simpler.

"I don't even know who Bad Bunny is," said an NFC offensive player. "I always think it should be an American. I think they're trying too hard with this international stuff." The irony, of course, is that Bad Bunny is from Puerto Rico, which is part of the United States, and he is an American citizen.

Familiarity Breeds Comfort or Resistance?

Several players echoed the same sentiment: lack of familiarity.

"I do not like it. (I'd prefer) anyone who's synonymous with football and football culture," another NFC offensive player said. "I feel like there's tons of artists out there who are fans of the game."

For some, the Super Bowl halftime show is still seen as a cultural homecoming, not a global showcase. But not everyone agrees with that framing.

The Culture Argument Enters the Chat

A smaller but vocal group of players leaned directly into the broader cultural implications.

"I've heard his music obviously, but I don't speak Spanish so I'm not a big fan," said an NFC defensive player. "But I do think it's cool to have him, because America is based on diversity."

That player continued, "America was built on immigration. So I feel like having him just furthers that American dream. I like it. I like the choice." Another NFC special teamer put it more simply: "I love the culture behind it."

Ratings, Reach, and Reality

One NFC offensive player, who openly wants country music back at the Super Bowl, still acknowledged the logic behind the pick.

"I don't know who (Bad Bunny) is and never listened to his music," the player said. "But I saw on the year-end data he's the global leader in music streams; it makes sense wanting to make this a global performance. Good for ratings."

That may be the NFL's quiet calculation: global appeal over domestic comfort.

Vibes Over Politics

Many players reduced the conversation to one thing: the vibe. "I think it's pretty awesome," said an NFC offensive player. "Some of his music is really good, man… it's a bop, man."

Another didn't mince words. "Heck yeah. It's going to be a good time," said an NFC offensive player. "The girls like Bad Bunny, so of course, we're going to like it."

An AFC defensive player summed it up with a shrug and a smile, "It's a little different, but I'm a fan of changing things up."

Dream Halftime Picks and One Impossible Winner

The poll also asked players who their dream halftime performer would be, and the most common answer wasn't exactly realistic. "If we're talking about my dream, it would be Michael Jackson," an NFC defensive player said with a laugh.

"But that's obviously not happening." Most players clarified they knew Jackson, who died in 2009, wasn't actually an option. Among living artists, Drake emerged as the most popular choice. Others had stronger opinions.

"Beyonce. They should just let her do it every year," said an AFC offensive player. An NFC offensive player pushed for country legends, "I've gotta get George Strait in there, followed by a close Chris Stapleton." Regional pride also surfaced.

"I feel like we should have had E-40 or somebody from the Bay," said an NFC defensive player, with another teammate agreeing a Bay Area collective would've been ideal.

The Final Reveal: Less Drama Than You'd Expect

After all the noise, backlash, and headlines, the most unexpected takeaway is this: NFL players aren't outraged, they're just divided.

Most objections come down to taste, familiarity, or tradition, not ideology. And perhaps that's the quiet truth behind the Bad Bunny debate.

Whether players love him, don't know him, or hope the show boosts ratings, one thing is clear: the Super Bowl halftime stage remains the most powerful mirror of where sports, culture, and America intersect.

But as players debate the vibes, culture, and ratings power of Bad Bunny's upcoming halftime show, a far more unexpected controversy is already brewing behind the scenes, one that has nothing to do with music and everything to do with who's allowed to be onstage.

Volunteer listings for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show quickly went viral after revealing a strict height requirement. Many social media users reacted with confusion and frustration, learning they might be disqualified from participating.

The company behind the casting confirmed the rule and emphasized its importance to the performance. As the debate unfolded online, a teaser for the show was also released, adding to the growing buzz.

Listing Triggers Backlash

A height restriction tied to the Puerto Rican singer and rapper's appearance at the Super Bowl halftime show has sparked criticisms online.

The issue gained traction after content creator Dre Monteon posted a TikTok on January 8, 2026, reacting to the requirement.

"5'7"? Like... I'm 5'5" on a good day. I mean, realistically, I probably wouldn't do it, but still. Like, 5'7" is crazy," she said, adding that her husband initially thought she was joking about applying.

TikTok and Redditors expressed disappointment, believing the opportunity had been unfairly limited.

One TikToker commented, "bro i got this email and was so disappointed when i saw the height LMAO [sic]." A second exclaimed, "I'm only 5'4"😭😭 crazy yesss!" Someone from Reddit claimed, "Ummm I got accepted and I am 5'3, this is false advertisement [sic]."

Others defended the decision, suggesting it was necessary for stage consistency. "Yall [sic] it's for uniformity it's not that deep," a different Redditor wrote.

One person expressed exaggerated sadness, saying the height requirement made them feel excluded because they are too short. Someone else shared a similar reaction, simply stating they are also "too short."

Elsewhere, another mentioned that many types of jobs have height requirements, suggesting this situation is not unusual.

A different commenter dismissed the backlash entirely. They pointed out that Disney Parks and cruise lines have specific height ranges for princess and fairy characters.

This commentator also noted that while principal ballet dancers can vary in height, members of the corps de ballet are typically expected to fall within a certain height range for uniformity.

Organizers Statement

In response to the online discussion, Backlit Support, the company handling volunteer recruitment for Super Bowl Productions, confirmed the requirement in a statement to USA TODAY on January 12.

"The height requirements will be very important for participation on this one and will be verified through the rehearsal process," the statement read. The confirmation came as anticipation for the halftime show continued to build.

Teaser Released

On January 16, Apple Music dropped the highly anticipated official trailer for Bad Bunny's Super Bowl debut, and it's as vibrant as it is symbolic. The one-minute teaser opens with the global superstar stepping onto a dazzling set framed by a flamboyant tree.

As he presses "Play" on his hit "Baile Inolvidable," a joyful dance riot erupts, with people of all ages, races, and identities joining him in a rhythm-fueled celebration of unity.

The teaser closes with a powerful line, "The world will dance." His halftime show is scheduled for February 8 at Super Bowl LX.

In related news, the NFL also announced on Instagram that a popular rockband will be part of the Super Bowl LX festivities. "Coming soon on Super Bowl Sunday: @GreenDay to open the #SBLX opening ceremony, LIVE from Levi's Stadium!" the post read.

While the NFL's announcements highlight the show's expanding lineup, Bad Bunny's road to the Super Bowl stage reflects a more personal journey.

Why He Skipped US Shows

In a September 2025 interview with i-D, he explained why he had avoided performing in the U.S. in recent years. "Man, honestly, yes," he admitted when asked if immigration issues played a role. He explained:

"There were many reasons why I didn't show up in the US, and none of them were out of hate—I've performed there many times. All of [the shows] have been successful. All of them have been magnificent. I’ve enjoyed connecting with Latinos who have been living in the US."

He went on to say that hosting a residency in Puerto Rico allowed fans from the mainland to come to him without fear.

"But there was the issue of—like, [expletive] ICE could be outside [my concert]. And it's something that we were talking about and very concerned about," he added.

In the end, Bad Bunny's Super Bowl moment is shaping up to be about far more than a 12-minute performance. It has exposed how differently players, fans, and institutions define American, global, and belonging, sometimes in quiet locker rooms, sometimes loudly online.