The dust has settled on Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, but the conversation surrounding the halftime show is only just beginning. While the Seattle Seahawks were busy securing their victory over the New England Patriots, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny was busy redefining what it means to be "American" on the world’s biggest stage. Amidst a high-octane set featuring Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, and a surprise appearance by Cardi B, one small prop stole the spotlight in the final moments: a vintage-style football held firmly under Benito’s arm.
As the cameras zoomed in for the closing shot, the world finally saw what was written on that ball. The message was simple, yet it reverberated far beyond the stadium walls: "Together, We Are America."
A New Definition of "America"
For many U.S. viewers, the term "America" is often synonymous with the United States. However, Bad Bunny’s performance was a masterclass in hemispheric geography and cultural pride. Immediately after revealing the message on the football, he addressed the crowd in English—a rarity for the artist—saying, "God Bless America."
He didn't stop there. Benito proceeded to list countries across the entire Western Hemisphere, from Chile and Argentina to Canada and his beloved "madre patria," Puerto Rico. By doing so, he reclaimed the word "America" to include the nearly one billion people living across North, Central, and South America. In a moment of heightened political tension and debates over national identity, the football served as a physical manifesto for unity.
The Symbolism of the Vintage Stripes
The choice of the football itself wasn't accidental. According to NFL sources, the ball was a vintage Wilson model from the late 1960s or early 1970s, characterized by distinct white stripes on either end. These stripes were historically used for night games to increase visibility before stadium lighting reached today's advanced standards.
By using a "classic" piece of American sports history to deliver a modern message of inclusivity, Bad Bunny bridged the gap between traditional Americana and the evolving face of the nation. It was a subtle nod to the fact that while the "look" of America might change, the spirit of the game—and the continent—is big enough for everyone.
More Than Just a Game: The Political Context
The performance arrived on the heels of significant criticism from political figures, including Donald Trump, who had labeled the choice of Bad Bunny for the halftime show as "un-American." Bad Bunny’s response wasn't a shout; it was a visual poem.
Beyond the football, his "Ocasio 64" jersey paid homage to his late uncle while simultaneously evoking the controversial official death toll of Hurricane Maria—a tragedy that remains a focal point of Puerto Rican resilience. Throughout the set, dancers carried the flags of various Latin American nations, and the stadium screens flashed the phrase: "The only thing more powerful than hate is love." This was a direct callback to his 2026 Grammy acceptance speech, where he first urged for "ICE out" and reminded the world that "we are humans, and we are Americans."
Why the Message Resonated with U.S. Audiences
While the show was performed almost entirely in Spanish, its impact was universal. It tapped into the "American Dream" in its truest form—the idea of grassroots success, family loyalty, and the courage to remain authentic. From the set pieces depicting Puerto Rican sugar cane fields to the inclusion of small business owners like Victor Villa, the show celebrated the immigrant hustle that has always been the backbone of the U.S. economy and culture.
Whether you understood every lyric or simply felt the rhythm of "El Apagón," the message on the football was unavoidable. It reminded us that the lines on a map don't define the heart of a people.
A Legacy in Four Words
Bad Bunny didn't just play the Super Bowl; he used the platform to host a conversation. By the time he spiked that vintage ball in the end zone, he had transformed a sporting event into a cultural landmark. "Together, We Are America" isn't just a slogan for a halftime show—it’s a challenge to look at our neighbors, both across the street and across the border, with a little more "amor."