Goodell questioned about Bad Bunny at Super Bowl | Sports News

As the NFL world continues to research the league’s selection of Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny because the official halftime entertainer for Super Bowl 2026, league commissioner Roger Goodell made his place crystal clear on the choice within the days main up to the large sport.

With much less than a week remaining earlier than the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots conflict at Super Bowl LX, Goodell addressed the media in San Jose during his annual State of the NFL press convention on Monday. This adopted Goodell’s transfer to pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. during the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs by incorporating “choose love” stencils ultimately zones.

The commissioner tackled questions about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence at the Super Bowl and provided direct commentary on Bad Bunny’s crucial ICE statements at the Grammy Awards. Goodell verified that no changes have been made to Super Bowl security protocols, emphasizing that the occasion maintains its SEAR (Special Event Assessment Rating) 1 designation coordinated by federal, state and native authorities, in keeping with longstanding apply.

Separately, the NFL was compelled to release a assertion following allegations that a billionaire staff proprietor appeared within the Epstein Files. Homeland Security classifies SEAR 1s as main, high-profile occasions requiring intricate planning and carrying national or worldwide significance.

The Super Bowl joins a roster that features the Winter Olympics in February, the FIFA World Cup this summer time, and the World Baseball Classic spanning San Juan, Houston, Tokyo, and Miami, Florida.

Bad Bunny made waves at the Grammys by declaring “ICE out” during his acceptance speeches, simply days forward of his extremely anticipated Super Bowl halftime show.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stood by the league’s option to showcase the artist, describing Bad Bunny as one of the world’s most impactful musicians and emphasizing that his worldwide appeal was central to the choice.

“Bad Bunny, I think, demonstrated last night that he is one of the great artists in the world,” stated Goodell. “That’s one of the reasons we chose him. “.

“The other reason is he understood the platform he was on and that this platform is to use to unite people and to be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talents, and to be able to use this moment to do that,” he continued.

“I think artists in the past have done that. I think Bad Bunny understands that, and I think he’ll have a great performance.”

Bad Bunny made historical past when his album grew to become the primary fully Spanish-language file to say Album of the Year, whereas additionally taking home honors for Best Musica Urbana Album and Best Global Music Performance. The NFL commissioner’s remarks got here after an nameless ballot revealed divided opinions in locker rooms concerning Bad Bunny’s appointment.

While the bulk backed the choice, sure gamers both did not know who he was or raised questions about why the Super Bowl did not constantly showcase American artists (Bad Bunny hails from Puerto Rico and holds American citizenship), regardless that worldwide performers have long been half of the show’s custom.