Sam Darnold Praises Bad Bunny as Grammy Winner Prepares for Super Bowl Halftime Spotlight

Bad Bunny’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. Fresh off a major night at the Grammy Awards, the Puerto Rican superstar is now set to headline the halftime show at Super Bowl LX, bringing one of the world’s most recognizable music acts to Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.

The announcement initially surprised some fans, but anticipation has steadily grown as the event approaches. The rapper and singer, born Benito Antonio Ocasio, has built a massive global following that stretches well beyond Latin music audiences.

Among those looking forward to the performance is Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who admitted this week that he counts himself as a fan — even if game-day responsibilities may prevent him from watching live.

For Darnold and the Seahawks, the halftime spectacle is part of a much larger stage, with the championship game itself demanding their full attention.

1. Bad Bunny’s Breakthrough Moment

Bad Bunny arrives at the Super Bowl riding one of the biggest weeks of his career. At the Grammys, he captured Album of the Year for DeBI TiRAR MaS FOToS, becoming the first Spanish-language artist to claim the prestigious honor. He also secured Record of the Year for “DtMF,” further cementing his crossover appeal and influence across genres. The wins underscored his evolution from regional star to global force. That résumé makes him a natural fit for the NFL’s most-watched event, where halftime shows have become cultural moments in their own right. The league has increasingly leaned into artists with international reach to expand its audience. Last year’s performance by Kendrick Lamar drew widespread praise and social media buzz, setting a high bar for this season’s headliner. Now, Bad Bunny will have his own opportunity to deliver a memorable show on the same stage.

2. Darnold’s Appreciation

While much of the attention has centered on the artist, players have taken notice too. Speaking with reporters during Super Bowl week, Darnold openly shared his enthusiasm for the halftime choice. “It’s unbelievable. I love his music,” the 28-year-old quarterback said. “It’s great to have him perform at the Super Bowl.” Still, Darnold acknowledged the timing might keep him from enjoying the show in real time. Halftime for players is typically reserved for adjustments, recovery and preparation for the final two quarters. “I wish that I could see it,” he added, “but I’ll probably be getting ready for the second half. I know a lot of people are excited about him performing.”

3. Focus on the Game at Hand

As much as the halftime buzz adds to the spectacle, Darnold and the Seahawks remain locked in on football. Their matchup against the New England Patriots, led by quarterback Drake Maye, is shaping up as one of the game’s central storylines. For Seattle, the goal is straightforward: return to the top of the league with a championship performance. That focus leaves little room for distractions, no matter how star-studded the entertainment lineup might be. The Super Bowl has long blended sports and culture, with music acts providing the backdrop to the competition. Players, however, often experience the event differently, moving from the locker room to the field with little time to take it all in. Even so, the presence of a globally recognized performer like Bad Bunny adds another layer of excitement to an already massive occasion, underscoring the scale of the event both on and off the field.