Roger Goodell sends clear message to Bad Bunny after anti-ICE Grammy speech ahead of halftime show

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made it clear that he does not expect Bad Bunny to repeat his political statements from the Grammy Awards during the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Goodell spoke to reporters on about the artist’s acceptance speech from the day before, which included strong anti-ICE comments.

The commissioner was asked directly if fans should expect a similar message when Bad Bunny performs at Levi’s Stadium on February 8. Goodell stressed that the Super Bowl stage is meant to bring people together, not divide them through political messaging.

According to TMZ Sports, Goodell explained that Bad Bunny was chosen for two main reasons. First, he called the artist “one of the greatest artists in the world,” praising his global reach and popularity. The league sees him as a major draw for the event.

The Super Bowl platform is designed to unite fans through entertainment

Second, Goodell focused on the platform itself. He said Bad Bunny “understood the platform he was on, and this platform is used to unite people and be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talents and to be able to use this moment to do that.” This statement appears to be a firm reminder that the spotlight is for entertainment only.

The commissioner pointed out that past artists have successfully kept the focus on music and spectacle. Goodell added that he believes Bad Bunny understands this history and “will have a great performance.” The league is trusting the superstar to honor the inclusive nature of the event.

Goodell was also asked about ICE presence during Super Bowl week. He confirmed that security remains the top priority for the event. The topic has drawn attention as ICE announced its Super Bowl operations for the surrounding area. He noted there have been no changes to security protocols compared to previous administrations.

Immigration operations will not take place inside the venue during the game between the Seahawks and Patriots. However, agents will be working in the surrounding area. The league is prioritizing safety with thousands of fans packed into the stadium.

Bad Bunny is not the only performer scheduled. Green Day will also take the stage before kickoff. The instruction from the league is clear: all artists, including Green Day, should keep their messages inclusive and focus on delivering a unifying show. This comes at a time when the NFL has faced scrutiny over controversial owner communications that surfaced recently.