The NFL has once again found itself in the center of cultural controversy, this time after Denver Broncos owner Greg Penner unleashed a scathing critique of the league’s decision to feature international superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner of the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show.

In a fiery statement released late Monday night, Penner accused the NFL of abandoning its football heritage in favor of “flashy entertainment designed to grab headlines rather than respect tradition.” His remarks, which quickly spread across social media, questioned whether the Super Bowl had shifted too far from being the pinnacle of American football into becoming more of a global pop spectacle.

“This is supposed to be America’s biggest stage for football, not a circus act,” Penner declared. “An all-Spanish halftime show may play to certain markets, but it ignores the heart of what this game represents. The NFL has sold out its heritage for attention.”

Penner’s comments ignited an immediate storm. Broncos Nation is now sharply divided, with some fans praising their owner for “standing up for the game” while others criticized his words as out of touch and culturally insensitive.

On Twitter and Instagram, hashtags like #BroncosTradition and #WeStandWithBadBunny began trending within hours. Supporters of Penner’s stance argued that halftime shows should focus on American music icons tied to football’s history. Meanwhile, Bad Bunny’s passionate global fanbase defended the Puerto Rican superstar, pointing out that the NFL has been making efforts to expand its cultural footprint, particularly in Latin America.

NFL executives have remained largely silent on Penner’s remarks, though one anonymous league source told ESPN that the decision to book Bad Bunny was intentional. “We want the Super Bowl to be more than just a football game,” the source said. “It’s a worldwide event, and Bad Bunny represents a massive cultural force that brings new audiences to the sport.”

Sports commentators are divided as well. Former NFL player Keyshawn Johnson said on his morning radio show, “Look, the league is evolving. The Super Bowl is both sports and entertainment. If Greg Penner can’t see that, he’s living in the past.” On the other hand, veteran columnist Jason Whitlock argued, “Penner is right. The NFL risks alienating its core fans by trying to be everything to everyone.”

The backlash has even reached inside the Broncos organization. While players have not officially commented, insiders suggest some are uncomfortable with the owner’s public fight against the league, fearing it could distract from football operations during a crucial rebuilding period.

Bad Bunny, for his part, has yet to issue a public statement. Known for his record-breaking tours and Grammy wins, he remains one of the most influential artists in the world. His halftime performance is expected to draw massive ratings regardless of the controversy.

For now, Greg Penner’s outrage has amplified an already heated debate: is the NFL’s top priority preserving its football heritage or adapting to global culture and entertainment trends?

As Super Bowl 2026 approaches, one thing is clear — the game on the field may not be the only spectacle grabbing headlines.