Packers Legends Clay Matthews III and Others Criticize Bad Bunny for “Trying To Turn Your Kids Gay” With Super Bowl Halftime Show

In the wake of the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, a surprising and heated backlash has emerged from some corners of the NFL community — including former Green Bay Packers great Clay Matthews III and several other retired legends — targeting entertainer Bad Bunny and his widely watched performance.

While Bad Bunny’s halftime set at ** was praised by many fans for its celebration of culture and music, not all reactions were positive. Over the past 48 hours, a number of former NFL stars have voiced sharp criticism on social media, claiming that elements of the performance went “too far” and warning that the show could have a negative impact on young viewers.

Clay Matthews III, a fan favorite and long-time Packers standout, took to his platform early Wednesday evening with a blunt message: “This wasn’t just about music — it felt like an attempt to push an agenda on kids. That halftime show crossed a line.” Matthews’ comments quickly accumulated thousands of replies and shares, fueling further debate online.

Joining Matthews was a small group of retired players — many of whom built their reputations in the 2000s and 2010s — posting similar sentiments. One former Pro Bowler wrote, “We used to celebrate football, family, and fun. Now it’s all controversy. I’m not against art, but kids shouldn’t be a part of this experiment.”

Those voices have cited specific moments from the show, including segments of the performance they describe as sexually suggestive or socially provocative, and criticized what they see as influence that could “confuse or mislead younger fans.” Matthews and others framed their commentary around the idea that, as a marquee NFL event, the Super Bowl halftime should prioritize family-friendly entertainment.

They want to turn your kids gay. pic.twitter.com/ntbOLqSfaZ

— JohnRocker (@itsJohnRocker) February 9, 2026

Supporters of Bad Bunny and defenders of artistic expression pushed back quickly. Many pointed out the cultural significance of his performance and dismissed the criticism as out of touch with a diverse fanbase. Social media responses from fans, journalists, and current players highlighted the subjective nature of entertainment and emphasized personal responsibility in how viewers interpret content.

The controversy has grown beyond social media chatter. A handful of commentators and former athletes have called for discussions about performance content at major sporting events, while others have urged fans to focus on the game itself rather than off-field narratives.

Neither Bad Bunny nor the NFL has issued an official response to the criticisms from Clay Matthews III and other retired players. Meanwhile, the debate continues to spark conversation across fan communities, talk shows, and sports outlets — illustrating how halftime entertainment, once thought of as a brief interlude, has become a flashpoint for broader cultural discussion.

As the 2026 offseason unfolds, what began as a halftime performance has turned into a national dialogue about entertainment, sport, and generational expectations. For now, the controversy isn’t over — it’s just beginning.