The NFL is considering Ed Sheeran for this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, according to an announcement that would add another unexpected chapter to the controversy surrounding the singer’s decision to keep politics out of his concerts.
The potential invitation comes as Sheeran continues receiving attention following the recent turmoil surrounding his U.S. tour. His decision to keep political messages out of his performances has sparked criticism from some groups, while other musicians have publicly supported his approach.
Now, the NFL is reportedly looking at Sheeran as a potential performer for one of the biggest entertainment stages in the world.
“We learned quite a lot from Bad Bunny’s performance, and believe me, it was our biggest mistake,” NFL coordinator Alex Bruno said. “We want to make things right this time.”
Bruno said the league believes Sheeran would bring a different energy to the halftime show and could help attract viewers from a wide range of backgrounds.
“We stand with Ed and hope that he will accept our offer and perform at the upcoming Super Bowl,” Bruno added. “His popularity has exploded due to the recent controversy.”
The potential decision comes at a particularly interesting moment in Sheeran’s career. The singer has faced considerable attention over his position that concerts should primarily be about music rather than political speeches.
That stance has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding his current tour, especially after the controversy involving Macklemore and the subsequent departures of several other musicians.
Despite the criticism, Sheeran has continued performing and has received support from several major artists. The singer has repeatedly said that he wants fans to be able to attend his concerts without feeling as though they are being pulled into a political argument.
The NFL appears to see that approach as something that could work well for the Super Bowl halftime show.
Bruno said the league wants the upcoming performance to focus on entertainment and music.
“We want people to watch the halftime show and have a good time,” he said. “Ed knows how to put on a show, and that’s exactly what we’re looking for.”
Sheeran responded cautiously to the possibility of receiving the invitation.
“I’ll consider the offer,” Sheeran said. “I’m genuinely humbled that they would even think of me for something this big.”
The singer added that performing during the Super Bowl would be an opportunity he would take seriously.
“It’s one of those things that every artist dreams about,” Sheeran said. “Obviously, I’d have to think about the details, but I’m very grateful to be considered.”
The potential appearance would mark another major development in Sheeran’s increasingly eventful year. What began as a dispute over the role of politics in live music has grown into a much larger conversation surrounding the singer, his concerts and the musicians willing to stand beside him.
For the NFL, however, Bruno said the decision would ultimately come down to giving fans the kind of halftime performance they expect.
“We want great music, a great show and an artist who can connect with millions of people,” Bruno said. “Ed can do that.”
Whether Sheeran ultimately accepts remains to be seen, but the possibility alone has already added another twist to the singer’s ongoing tour saga.
For now, Sheeran says he’s simply grateful to have been considered.
“I’m humbled by it,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.”
