The NFL is facing fresh criticism from Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre following the Super Bowl LX halftime show.
Favre, who won Super Bowl XXXI with the Green Bay Packers and earned three straight MVP awards, questioned the league’s direction in how it connects with fans. In comments shared by Fox News, Favre said he has noticed a shift over the last decade.
“In the last maybe 10 years, maybe a little longer, there’s been a slight shift,” Favre said. “For whatever reason, I have no idea, because you want to appeal to your true fans. And it doesn’t seem like that is the case anymore.”
His remarks came after the 2026 halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The performance was headlined by Bad Bunny and marked the first Spanish-language, solo Latino-led Super Bowl halftime show.
Favre did not target the artist directly. Instead, he framed his concern around the league’s broader approach to fan engagement.
The 13-minute production featured appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. It celebrated Puerto Rican culture with a detailed stage design and a setlist that included several of Bad Bunny’s biggest hits. The broadcast drew more than 128 million domestic viewers, ranking among the most-watched halftime shows in history.
The debate around the NFL’s halftime performance
Reaction to the NFL’s halftime performance has been divided, since some public figures openly praised the celebration of Latino identity and called it a powerful cultural moment.
“What a beautiful and extraordinary thing, Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl, reminding the US who they are and where they are,” said Kleber Mendonça Filho, who is a Brazilian director.
“America, the beautiful. THANK YOU, BAD BUNNY.” Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, wrote on X.
The criticism around the decision argues that the NFL should prioritize broader appeal. This becomes especially important since the NFL is targeting global reach and an evolving audience.
Meanwhile, this year, the Seattle Seahawks captured Super Bowl LX with a 29–13 win over the New England Patriots. Seattle’s defense controlled the game, forcing three turnovers and sacking Drake Maye six times. Kenneth Walker III powered the offense with 135 rushing yards and earned Super Bowl MVP honors.
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