NFL Hall of Fame legend Eric Dickerson has once again launched a blistering critique of the league, branding it "corrupt" and expressing fierce opposition to the choice of Bad Bunny as the halftime performer for Super Bowl LX. The Puerto Rican artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is set to take the stage at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco this Sunday, despite significant backlash from conservative circles and now from the former Los Angeles Rams star.
Dickerson's Vocal Opposition to Bad Bunny's Selection
Dickerson, a revered running back, has made it clear that he would prefer virtually any other artist to perform during the prestigious halftime slot. Following the controversial announcement in September, the 65-year-old has now doubled down on his stance, admitting that he has "absolutely not" given Bad Bunny's music a chance. In a recent interview with TMZ, Dickerson questioned the decision-making process behind the selection.
"Why can't we get somebody from right here, from home? How about someone from right here in San Francisco? All these artists right here in the area to play at the Super Bowl," Dickerson argued. "I don't see why they chose that. But the NFL does things that just baffle your mind, so."
Concerns Over Language and National Connection
Dickerson further elaborated on his concerns by questioning how a Spanish-language performance would resonate with a broader American audience. When reminded that Puerto Rico is part of the United States, he emphasized that it is a "territory" and pointed out that Puerto Ricans do not have voting rights in presidential elections. This comment adds a political dimension to his criticism, reflecting deeper issues of representation and identity.
Broader Criticism of the NFL's Practices
The former NFL star did not limit his remarks to the halftime show. He expanded his critique to address systemic issues within the league, particularly targeting the Rooney Rule, which is designed to promote diversity in coaching hires. Dickerson labeled the rule as ineffective, arguing that it fails to ensure equal opportunities for Black coaches.
"You can't make a person hire a Black coach," Dickerson stated. "Owners are going to do what they want to do. You feel comfortable with who looks like you sometimes. That's just it."
He accused the league of being driven primarily by financial motives, describing the NFL as "one of the most corrupt organizations there is." This harsh assessment underscores his long-standing frustrations with the league's governance and decision-making processes.
Political Backlash and Trump's Absence
Dickerson's criticism aligns with broader conservative backlash, notably led by former President Donald Trump. Trump, who attended last year's Super Bowl in New Orleans, has confirmed that he will skip this year's event due to Bad Bunny's selection. Instead, he plans to host a watching party at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
Trump's decision comes amid declining approval ratings, fueled by controversies over immigration policies and persistent inflation. Bad Bunny has been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration, particularly targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The rapper previously excluded mainland U.S. dates from his tour due to ICE and reiterated his criticisms during the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Bad Bunny's Preparation and Personal Reflections
Despite the controversy, Bad Bunny remains focused on his upcoming performance. In a recent press conference, he admitted to struggling with sleep as he prepares for the high-pressure show. "I've been working on this show, what we're gonna do next Sunday, it's a lot," the 31-year-old shared. "Thinking about the Super Bowl at 4am, that's what I've been doing. It's been hard to not."
He expressed a mix of excitement and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of staying true to his roots. "You always have to be proud of who you are and feel comfortable being yourself, being proud about your history and where you are from and don't let that limit yourself," Bad Bunny said. "I feel very blessed, every step of my career I get to another level, it’s how I feel. It has been a beautiful and tough journey. I worked for it."
Anticipation for the Halftime Show
Bad Bunny teased that the performance will include special guests and will be a tribute to his cultural heritage. His selection marks a significant moment for Latin music on one of the world's biggest stages, even as it sparks debate about representation, language, and political expression in sports entertainment.
As Super Bowl LX approaches, the clash between Dickerson's traditionalist views and Bad Bunny's groundbreaking performance highlights ongoing tensions within the NFL and its fanbase. The halftime show promises to be a focal point of discussion, reflecting broader societal debates about diversity, inclusion, and the role of politics in sports.
