The Denver Broncos have reportedly taken a dramatic stand against the NFL’s decision to feature Latin music superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show. In a move that has shocked both the football and entertainment world, the franchise has filed a formal petition urging the league to replace the Grammy-winning artist. Team owner Greg Penner has even gone so far as to warn of potential player protests if the decision is not reconsidered.
According to sources close to the organization, Penner is deeply frustrated with what he views as the NFL’s prioritization of “pop culture headlines” over traditional football values. In an interview with a Denver-based outlet, Penner expressed outrage at what he called a “tone-deaf” decision by the league. “This is the Super Bowl, not a music festival,” Penner reportedly said. “Our players and fans deserve an act that represents American football culture, not a corporate stunt.”
The news comes at a time when the NFL has leaned heavily into global marketing strategies, seeking to expand its audience beyond the United States. Bad Bunny, whose crossover success has made him one of the world’s most recognizable entertainers, was announced last month as the Super Bowl Halftime performer. The Puerto Rican star has previously headlined at Coachella, sold out stadiums worldwide, and built a massive following across multiple demographics.
Yet not everyone is on board. Some fans and players have voiced support for Penner’s stance, arguing that the halftime stage should be reserved for performers with deep ties to American culture. “It’s not that Bad Bunny isn’t talented,” one veteran Broncos player commented anonymously. “But the Super Bowl is about football and tradition. We want someone who resonates with the fans who grew up watching this game.”
However, others have criticized the Broncos’ move as unnecessary and even divisive. Social media lit up within hours of the petition becoming public, with many defending the NFL’s choice. Supporters pointed out that the halftime show has historically featured global megastars, from Beyoncé to Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, and that Bad Bunny represents the league’s efforts to embrace diversity and reach younger audiences.
The potential for a player strike, hinted at by Penner, has added fuel to the controversy. While no Broncos players have gone on record confirming such plans, insiders suggest that the ownership group is rallying support within the locker room to pressure the NFL into backing down. Whether other franchises would follow suit remains uncertain.
The NFL, for its part, has remained largely silent. In a brief statement released Thursday, league representatives reaffirmed their commitment to “delivering a world-class halftime performance for fans across the globe.” The statement did not mention the Broncos directly, nor did it indicate any willingness to change course.
As tensions rise, the league finds itself caught between tradition and modernity, with the Broncos leading the charge against what they see as an unwelcome cultural shift. Whether the petition gains traction or fades as a symbolic protest remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the battle over the 2026 Halftime Show has already become one of the most heated off-field storylines in recent NFL memory.
