Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has stepped into the center of a heated national debate after responding to reports that ICE could conduct deportations during the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny.
Speaking candidly on social media, Brown condemned the rumored plan, calling it “a complete disgrace to the sport and to the fans who make the game what it is.”
The controversy began after Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski suggested that the choice of Bad Bunny for the halftime show was “shameful,” claiming the artist “hates America.” Reports then surfaced that ICE could use the global event as an opportunity for high-profile deportation operations.
Brown pushed back strongly, stressing that the Super Bowl is meant to be a unifying cultural moment, not a political battlefield.
“Fans come to celebrate football and music, not to fear being torn from their families,” Brown said. “Turning the biggest sporting event into a tool for division is unacceptable.”
His comments have drawn widespread attention, with supporters praising him for using his platform to defend vulnerable communities. Others, however, criticized him for stepping into political territory, arguing that athletes should “stick to sports.”
The NFL has yet to issue an official statement on the controversy, but public pressure is mounting as fans demand reassurance about safety and inclusivity at the league’s most important event.
With the Super Bowl set to take place under the brightest global spotlight, the intersection of sports, politics, and immigration policy has ignited a firestorm — and A.J. Brown has made it clear he won’t stay silent.