Bad Bunny's electrifying halftime performance at Super Bowl LX captivated audiences worldwide, but it was a mysterious jersey that left fans and viewers deeply puzzled. The Seattle Seahawks secured a decisive 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in the highly anticipated rematch of Super Bowl XLIX, yet the spotlight shifted to the Puerto Rican superstar's enigmatic attire during the spectacle.
The Puzzling Jersey Revealed
Following a dramatic pre-taped segment where he fell through a building roof alongside Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny reappeared wearing a cropped cream-colored jersey. The garment prominently displayed the number '64' on the chest and bore the name 'Ocasio' across the back. Without offering any immediate explanation during the show, this sartorial choice ignited widespread speculation across social media platforms and among sports commentators.
A Personal Tribute to Family
The Daily Mail has uncovered that the jersey carries profound personal significance for the artist, whose full name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio. The number 64 represents an homage to his late uncle, who previously played football and wore that identical number on his team jersey. The surname 'Ocasio' printed on the back further strengthens this familial connection, as Bad Bunny shares this name with his beloved uncle, creating a touching memorial during his global performance moment.
A Darker Political Allegation
However, the number 64 may have served a dual purpose as a subtle political statement regarding Hurricane Maria's devastating impact on Puerto Rico. The catastrophic storm ravaged the Caribbean in September 2017, with Puerto Rico suffering the most severe consequences. Initially, the island's government reported the death toll at precisely 64 casualties, a figure that was widely criticized by local residents and experts as a significant undercount.
Following an extensive study conducted by George Washington University, Puerto Rico's governor revised the official death estimate to 2,975 victims. Former President Donald Trump, who was serving his first term during the hurricane, later disputed this more accurate calculation, falsely claiming that "3,000 people did not die in the two hurricanes that hit Puerto Rico." Trump further alleged that Democrats had fabricated the higher number to damage his reputation, despite overwhelming evidence supporting the revised figures.
Political Controversy Surrounding the Performance
The announcement of Bad Bunny's halftime performance in late September immediately plunged the artist into political controversy. High-ranking government officials criticized the selection due to the performer's past criticisms of U.S. immigration policies. Bad Bunny had previously cited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as a reason for excluding mainland U.S. dates from his tour schedule.
Donald Trump publicly condemned the NFL's decision and revealed he would boycott the game because of Bad Bunny's involvement. The controversy intensified when Bad Bunny, during his Grammy acceptance speech just one week before the Super Bowl, declared "ICE Out" before thanking God. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the situation during his annual Super Bowl week press conference, describing Bad Bunny as "one of the greatest artists in the world" who understood the unifying platform of the halftime show.
Celebrity Connections and Musical Elements
The game attracted significant celebrity attention, particularly from rapper Cardi B, whose boyfriend Stefon Diggs served as star wide receiver for the Patriots. Although Cardi B appeared on stage during the performance, she did not actively participate in the musical numbers. The halftime spectacle followed patriotic pre-game performances featuring Charlie Puth singing the national anthem, Brandi Carlile performing "America The Beautiful," and Coco Jones delivering a powerful rendition of the Black national anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
Historical Halftime Show Moments
Bad Bunny's performance joins a long legacy of memorable and controversial Super Bowl halftime moments. The most infamous incident occurred in 2004 when Justin Timberlake exposed Janet Jackson's breast during their collaborative performance, resulting in widespread controversy and industry repercussions for Jackson. Other notable moments include Rihanna's surprise pregnancy reveal during her 2023 performance, Katy Perry's "Left Shark" dancer going viral in 2015, and Eminem taking a knee during his 2022 appearance in a gesture reminiscent of Colin Kaepernick's protest against racial injustice.
Michael Jackson's groundbreaking 1993 performance revolutionized halftime shows with its theatrical production values, while Prince's 2007 performance of "Purple Rain" during an actual rainstorm became legendary. More recent controversies include Kendrick Lamar's 2025 performance referencing his feud with Drake and M.I.A. flipping her middle finger during Madonna's 2012 show.
The mystery surrounding Bad Bunny's jersey number continues to generate discussion, blending personal tribute with political commentary in a performance that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most thought-provoking halftime shows in Super Bowl history.
