Roger Goodell backs Bad Bunny as ‘greatest artist’ after Grammys ICE remarks ahead of Super Bowl
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell publicly defended Bad Bunny just days before the Puerto Rican star is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, following the artist’s sharp criticism of ICE during the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Monday, Goodell made it clear that the league stands by its choice, even as Bad Bunny’s remarks continue to stir political debate.
BREAKING: #NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke about Bad Bunny using his acceptance speech at the Grammys last night to protest ICE.
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) February 2, 2026
Roger says that Bad Bunny was chosen to help unite the country like the past performers.
“This platform is used to unite”pic.twitter.com/eyndLZdHqi
Roger Goodell defends Bad Bunny as Super Bowl choice
Goodell said Bad Bunny’s performance and presence at the Grammys reinforced why the NFL selected him for one of the world’s biggest stages.
“Listen, Bad Bunny is, and I think that was demonstrated last night, one of the great artists in the world,” Goodell said. “That’s one of the reasons we chose him.”
The NFL commissioner added that Bad Bunny understands the weight of the Super Bowl platform and the responsibility that comes with it.
“But the other reason is he understood the platform he was on, and that this platform is used to unite people and to be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talent,” Goodell said. “I think artists in the past have done that, I think Bad Bunny understands that, and I think he’ll have a great performance.”
Since being named the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer, Bad Bunny has faced heavy criticism from conservative voices, many of whom argue his political views clash with the NFL’s audience.
Bad Bunny’s Grammys speech draws praise and backlash
The controversy intensified after Bad Bunny won the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album for 'DeBi TiRAR MaS FOToS' on Sunday. During his acceptance speech, the artist used the moment to speak directly about immigration and condemn ICE.
Bad Bunny’s full speech at the #Grammys
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) February 2, 2026
“Before I say thanks to god, I’m going to say, ICE out. We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we are humans and we are Americans.”
pic.twitter.com/hDhPqjfv87
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” he said. Bad Bunny went on to defend immigrant communities, rejecting dehumanizing language often used in political discourse.
“We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans,” he said. The artist also warned against a growing cycle of anger in public life.
“I know it’s tough not to hate these days,” Bad Bunny said, adding that hate only grows stronger when it is answered with more hate. “The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.”
ICE presence at Super Bowl remains unclear
Questions around immigration enforcement at the Super Bowl have circulated since October 2025, when Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said federal agents would be “all over” the event and intended to “enforce the law.” When asked whether ICE would be present at the Super Bowl, Goodell avoided specifics.
He said the NFL is coordinating with “assets at the federal level, the state level and the local level,” noting that such cooperation is standard practice for an event of this size. Goodell did not directly confirm whether ICE agents would be stationed at the game.
