NFL faces backlash from Hall of Famer Brett Favre

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre has taken aim at the NFL’s fan-engagement strategy, telling Fox News that the league has drifted away from its core audience over the past decade. The three-time MVP, who led the Green Bay Packers to victory in Super Bowl XXXI, offered his critique in the aftermath of Super Bowl LX’s record-setting halftime show at Levi’s Stadium.

The 13-minute performance, headlined by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny and featuring guest turns from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, became the first Spanish-language, solo Latino-led halftime spectacle in league history. Broadcasters reported more than 128 million domestic viewers, placing the show among the most-watched intermissions in Super Bowl history. Supporters, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho, praised the celebration of Latino culture, with Newsom posting on X, “America, the beautiful. THANK YOU, BAD BUNNY.”

Favre, however, framed the event as symptomatic of a broader shift. “In the last maybe 10 years, maybe a little longer, there’s been a slight shift,” he told Fox News. “For whatever reason, I have no idea, because you want to appeal to your true fans. And it doesn’t seem like that is the case anymore.” The Hall of Famer stopped short of criticizing Bad Bunny directly, instead questioning the league’s calculus as it pursues an increasingly global audience.

The NFL has not issued a formal response to Favre’s comments, but the debate underscores a recurring tension: how to balance heritage fans with an expanding international market. While some public figures lauded the cultural milestone, detractors argue that prioritizing niche appeal could dilute the league’s traditional brand.

On the field, the Seattle Seahawks claimed the Lombardi Trophy with a dominant 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. Kenneth Walker III rushed for 135 yards and was named Super Bowl MVP, while Seattle’s defense harassed Patriots quarterback Drake Maye with six sacks and three takeaways.