Ex-Steelers Star Who Built the Dream But Never Got to Celebrate It

🛑Turning Point USA Claps Back at NFL: Plans “All-American” Halftime Show to Rival Bad Bunny Shockwaves hit the sports world this week as Turning Point USA, the conservative media company founded by the late Charlie Kirk, announced plans to host its own “All-American Super Bowl Halftime Show.” The announcement came just days after the NFL officially named Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as this year’s Super Bowl halftime performer — a decision that’s sparked a wave of cultural backlash and political debate. A “Culture War” at the 50-Yard Line For many, the Super Bowl halftime show is a celebration of music and pop culture. For Turning Point USA, it’s now the latest front in what they call the fight for “faith, family, and freedom.” Their alternative show, promoted as a “patriotic celebration of American values,” is set to air simultaneously with the NFL’s main broadcast. On the event’s official site, fans are even asked to pick their preferred genres — one option cheekily reads “Anything in English,” a clear jab at Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language setlist. Riley Gaines Fires Back Former NCAA swimmer and conservative commentator Riley Gaines took to X (formerly Twitter) to fan the flames, writing: “Bad Bunny told Americans we have four months to learn Spanish if we want to understand the halftime show. No thanks. We’ll have our own. Enjoy the low ratings.” Her post quickly went viral among right-leaning circles, fueling momentum for Turning Point’s counter-program. Trump Rumors Add Fuel to the Fire Adding another layer to the spectacle, multiple reports suggest that former U.S. President Donald J. Trump could make a surprise appearance during the Turning Point broadcast. Trump, who’s previously mocked the NFL and criticized its cultural direction, reportedly called the Bad Bunny decision “ridiculous” and “crazy.” Divided Fans and Heated Reactions The NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny — one of the world’s biggest artists and a three-time Grammy winner — was widely praised by mainstream media for representing Latino culture on the biggest stage in American sports. But conservative figures have slammed the move as “out of touch” with football’s core fanbase. House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly admitted he didn’t know who Bad Bunny was, saying he would’ve preferred “a more traditional American act.” Others argued that the NFL should focus on “bringing people together, not dividing them by language.” Meanwhile, supporters of Bad Bunny have fired back, calling the criticism xenophobic and outdated. “Puerto Ricans are Americans,” one viral post read. “If you can’t handle Spanish lyrics at a U.S. event, that says more about you than him.” What Comes Next As of now, Turning Point USA hasn’t confirmed the lineup or location for their “All-American Halftime Show.” Whether it will be broadcast nationally or streamed online remains unclear. But one thing is certain — this Super Bowl is already shaping up to be about more than just football. The league’s biggest stage has become a cultural battlefield — and this February, the fight won’t just be for the Lombardi Trophy, but for the definition of what it means to be “All-American.”