### NFL in Turmoil: Philadelphia Eagles Coach Nick Sirianni Slams Bad Bunny as Super Bowl Halftime Performer, Threatens to Pull Team
**Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has ignited a firestorm** by publicly criticizing the NFL’s decision to select Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny as the headliner for the Super Bowl LX halftime show, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. In a fiery press conference today (October 1, 2025), Sirianni questioned the league’s priorities, stating, “Is this football or a circus?” He escalated the controversy by threatening to withdraw the Eagles from the Super Bowl if Bad Bunny remains the performer, plunging the NFL into chaos.
The Spark of Controversy
The NFL’s announcement in late September 2025 that Bad Bunny (real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) would headline the Super Bowl halftime show, produced by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, marked a historic moment as the first entirely Spanish-language performance at the event. Intended to celebrate Latin culture and broaden the NFL’s global appeal, the decision has instead sparked backlash, particularly from conservative circles. Bad Bunny’s past criticism of former President Donald Trump and his decision to skip U.S. tour dates in 2025 due to fears of ICE raids targeting his predominantly Latin fanbase have made him a polarizing figure.
Sirianni, known for his passionate leadership and guiding the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance in 2023, expressed outrage over the choice. He argued that the halftime show should reflect the spirit of football rather than “pushing political agendas.” Citing Bad Bunny’s politically charged 2020 Super Bowl performance alongside J.Lo and Shakira—where imagery of children in cages protested U.S. immigration policies—Sirianni called the selection “a distraction from the game.”
Threat to Boycott: Eagles Out of the Super Bowl?
Sirianni’s threat to pull the Eagles from the Super Bowl has sent shockwaves through the NFL. The Eagles, a franchise with a massive fanbase and a storied history, are a cornerstone of the league’s marketability. A withdrawal could cost tens of millions in revenue from tickets, broadcasts, and sponsorships. “If the NFL wants to turn the Super Bowl into a political stage, we don’t have to play along,” Sirianni declared. “We’re here for football, not to endorse anyone’s message.”
The NFL has yet to issue an official response, but sources indicate Commissioner Roger Goodell is holding urgent meetings with Roc Nation and league stakeholders. Some Eagles players, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, have backed Sirianni on X, with Hurts posting, “Coach speaks for us. Keep the game about the game.” Meanwhile, other NFL stars, like Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, have praised Bad Bunny as “a global icon” who could energize younger audiences.
#### Social Media and Public Backlash
The controversy has exploded online, with hashtags #SuperBowlCircus and #BoycottBadBunny trending worldwide on X. Supporters of Bad Bunny, including Latin artists like J Balvin and Bad Gyal, have defended him, emphasizing the cultural significance of his performance. California Governor Gavin Newsom even joined the fray, tweeting, “Chill out, folks. Bad Bunny’s bringing the heat .” Conversely, conservative commentators like Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly have slammed the NFL, accusing it of “alienating its core fans” with a “woke” agenda. Over 300 complaints have reportedly been filed with the FCC in the past 24 hours, decrying the halftime show as “anti-American.”

Organizations like LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) have countered, accusing Sirianni and critics of “cultural insensitivity.” A viral X post from LULAC stated, “Bad Bunny represents millions. Opposing him is opposing our community’s place in America.”
#### A Broader Cultural Clash
This uproar underscores deeper tensions in American society, where sports, politics, and culture increasingly collide. The NFL, still navigating fallout from past controversies like Colin Kaepernick’s protests and Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 halftime performance, faces a dilemma: appeal to a diverse, global audience or placate traditional fans. Sirianni’s stance echoes a growing sentiment among some coaches and fans that the Super Bowl is drifting from its roots as a sporting event.
Will Sirianni follow through on his threat? Will the NFL stand by Bad Bunny or reconsider its choice? As the league grapples with these questions, Bad Bunny remains unfazed, promising a “historic Latin explosion” if he takes the stage. Super Bowl LX is shaping up to be more than a game—it’s a battleground for America’s cultural divide.