ESPN reporter John Sutcliffe became visibly emotional during a live broadcast following Bad Bunny’s halftime performance at Super Bowl LX, drawing widespread attention across social media and highlighting the cultural significance of the event. The veteran Spanish-language journalist, known for his decades-long coverage of the NFL, broke down in tears while describing the profound impact of seeing a Puerto Rican artist headline one of America’s most prominent stages.

The moment unfolded during ESPN Deportes’ coverage of the game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026. The Seattle Seahawks secured a decisive 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots, thanks in large part to a dominant defensive effort that included six sacks and three forced turnovers.

The contest started slowly but built momentum as Seattle’s defense smothered New England’s offense, leading to a comfortable win and the franchise’s second Super Bowl title since the 2013 season. Kicker Jason Myers contributed significantly by setting a Super Bowl record with five field goals.

However, for many viewers—particularly those tuning into the Spanish-language feed—the game’s outcome took a backseat to the halftime spectacle. Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, delivered a high-energy performance that featured a medley of his biggest hits, including “Dakiti” and “Monaco.

” The show emphasized Caribbean themes with vibrant production, colorful visuals, and a focus on cultural pride. Notably, much of the performance was delivered in Spanish, marking a historic milestone as the first time a Super Bowl headliner performed almost exclusively in the language.

The halftime segment drew an estimated 128.2 million viewers, slightly surpassing the game’s overall average audience of around 124.9 million across NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, and other platforms. This trend has become common in recent years, where the musical entertainment often captures more eyes than the game itself.

Bad Bunny, a three-time Grammy winner and former Spotify’s most-streamed artist for three consecutive years, brought an electrifying blend of reggaeton, trap, and Latin rhythms to the massive stage, complete with elaborate choreography and guest appearances that amplified the celebratory atmosphere.

It was in the aftermath of this performance that John Sutcliffe, positioned on the field as part of the sideline reporting team, began to show visible emotion. Speaking in Spanish during the live broadcast before the second half resumed, Sutcliffe’s voice cracked as he reflected on what the moment represented.

He described the show as “truly very emotional,” emphasizing the message Bad Bunny conveyed—one rooted in love, culture, and affection. Sutcliffe noted that regardless of personal taste in the music, the performance carried a powerful sense of unity and pride.

He encouraged Latino viewers around the world to embrace their feelings, saying it was perfectly acceptable to have a tear in their eye and feel proud that “Benito sang in Spanish at America’s biggest celebration.” Sutcliffe added, “Long live Bad Bunny,” before apologizing for his emotion and acknowledging the historic nature of the representation. In one poignant line shared widely online, he expressed that it was the first time he had ever cried at a Super Bowl, underscoring the personal weight of witnessing a Latino artist achieve such prominence on that platform.

Sutcliffe’s reaction quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), with clips from ESPN Deportes circulating rapidly. Fans and commentators praised his authenticity, with one popular post reading: “HAY QUE SENTIRSE ORGULLOSO, BENITO LE CANTÓ EN ESPAÑOL A LA FIESTA MÁS IMPORTANTE DE LOS AMERICANOS” accompanied by the emotional footage.

Supporters highlighted how the moment resonated deeply within the Latino community, where representation at the highest levels of American pop culture remains meaningful. The NFL has reported that Latino fans constitute about 15 percent of its U.S. fan base, a demographic that has grown by roughly 10 percent since 2010, making events like this particularly impactful.

Not everyone viewed the outburst positively. Some critics argued that professional journalists should maintain strict neutrality and composure during broadcasts, questioning whether such displays were appropriate on air. Others defended Sutcliffe, pointing to his long career and the genuine passion he has always brought to his reporting. Colleagues from ESPN and beyond posted messages of support, commending his sincerity and the way he connected with audiences on a human level.

Sutcliffe, 57, has been a cornerstone of ESPN Deportes since its early days. He joined the network in 2000 after stints at Univision and Telemundo, where he covered multiple World Cups, Olympic Games, and other major international events. Over the years, he has reported from more than 25 Super Bowls, establishing himself as one of the most experienced voices in NFL coverage for Spanish-speaking audiences. His signature segments on “Monday Night Countdown” and his classic sign-off, “Reportando desde…,” have become beloved staples for Hispanic fans of the league.

The emotional response from Sutcliffe was not isolated; it reflected broader conversations about cultural representation in mainstream American media. Bad Bunny’s performance, while celebrated by many for its inclusivity and bold use of Spanish, also sparked some controversy, including backlash from certain political figures who criticized elements of the show. Yet for Sutcliffe and countless viewers, the overriding sentiment was one of pride and validation.

As the post-game analysis continued and coverage shifted to the upcoming NFL draft season, Sutcliffe remained scheduled for his regular duties, undeterred by the spotlight on his moment of vulnerability. In an era where broadcasts often prioritize polished professionalism, his tears served as a reminder that sports and entertainment can transcend competition, touching on deeper themes of identity, heritage, and belonging.

 For the Latino community watching from homes across the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and beyond, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl appearance—and Sutcliffe’s heartfelt reaction—stood as a powerful affirmation that their culture belongs on the biggest stages.