The Super Bowl is still weeks away, but controversy has already erupted. More than 35,000 fans of the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers have signed an online petition urging the NFL and Super Bowl organizers to remove global music star Bad Bunny from the upcoming Halftime Show. The petition has quickly gained momentum, sparking intense debates across social media and sports communities.

The petition, launched by a group of passionate 49ers and Packers supporters, argues that Bad Bunny does not represent the tradition or spirit of American football. They claim that the Super Bowl stage should celebrate the game and its legacy — not overshadow it with a pop performance. According to the petition’s creators, the Halftime Show should highlight artists more rooted in American rock, country, or classic hip-hop culture.

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Reddit, fan reactions have been intense, with comments such as:

• “The Super Bowl is about football, not a Latin pop concert.”

• “If the Packers or 49ers make it to the Super Bowl, I don’t want Bad Bunny stealing the spotlight.”

• “Give us artists like Metallica, Eminem, or Bruce Springsteen — not someone disconnected from football culture.”

Former players and sports commentators have also weighed in. While most do not directly criticize Bad Bunny, they emphasize that the Halftime Show should respect the heritage and identity of the NFL, especially when the league is working to balance tradition with global expansion.

Bad Bunny’s camp has not released an official statement. However, sources close to the artist say he is “surprised but not shocked,” as controversy surrounding Latin artists performing at the Super Bowl is not new. In 2020, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s Halftime performance also faced backlash for being “too provocative” and “not aligned with football values.”

Meanwhile, Bad Bunny’s supporters are strongly defending him. They argue that the NFL is evolving into a more global, diverse, and modern league, and choosing Bad Bunny is a strategic move to attract younger audiences and international viewers. They believe this backlash reflects resistance to cultural change rather than a genuine concern for the sport.

The key question remains: How will the NFL respond? With the petition growing rapidly, the league can no longer ignore the public pressure. Yet, changing a Halftime Show lineup is extremely complex — involving contracts, sponsorship deals, broadcast rights, and logistical planning.

Regardless of the outcome, this controversy has already turned Super Bowl season into a heated debate before the first kickoff. Even though the 49ers and Packers have not officially secured their spot in the championship, their fans are already making headlines — not on the field, but off it.

One thing is certain: All eyes are now on the NFL. Will they stand by their entertainment choice or make a shocking pivot in response to fan outrage?