The NFL’s ongoing Super Bowl halftime show drama has taken an unexpected twist, as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been pulled into the controversy after publicly defending Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny.
Over the past week, thousands of NFL fans have threatened to boycott the Super Bowl unless the league replaces Bad Bunny with what they call an “American” performer. Critics argue that his music — primarily in Spanish — doesn’t represent the tradition of the halftime stage.
However, in a recent interview, Jalen Hurts voiced his support for the Grammy-winning artist. “Music is about bringing people together, not dividing them. Bad Bunny has fans all over the world, and I think he deserves his spot on that stage,” Hurts said.
His remarks quickly ignited a firestorm. Social media platforms exploded with divided reactions — some praising Hurts for standing up for inclusivity, while others accused him of fueling the controversy. Hashtags like #StandWithHurts and #BoycottSuperBowl began trending simultaneously.
One fan commented: “Respect to Jalen for speaking his mind. We need more athletes who embrace diversity.” Meanwhile, another wrote: “Hurts should focus on football, not defending Bad Bunny.”
The Eagles organization has not officially commented on the matter, but insiders suggest the team is concerned about the growing media frenzy distracting from the season.
With Hurts being one of the NFL’s brightest stars, his involvement in the debate has magnified the spotlight on the already polarizing halftime controversy. Whether his defense of Bad Bunny will help calm tensions or intensify calls for a boycott remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: the Super Bowl is still months away, but the drama has already kicked off — and now, one of the league’s top quarterbacks is right at the center of it.