Budweiser Fans Applaud Brand’s New ‘American’ Super Bowl Commercial Years After Controversy
As Budweiser celebrates 150 years of brewing in the United States, the brand is marking the milestone with a return to familiar imagery—one that has struck an emotional chord with football fans nationwide. Its new Super Bowl commercial, titled “American Icons,” is set to air on the biggest day of the NFL season and is already being hailed by many viewers as a triumphant comeback.
The cinematic spot centers on two enduring American symbols closely associated with Budweiser: a Clydesdale and a bald eagle. The story begins when a young Clydesdale encounters a bald eagle chick that has fallen from its nest. From there, the ad traces the unlikely friendship between the two animals as they endure storms, changing seasons, and moments of vulnerability together.
In the commercial’s most striking sequence, the now-grown eagle spreads its wings while standing on the horse’s back, creating the illusion of a Pegasus as sunlight pours in behind them. The moment is designed to evoke resilience, unity, and shared strength—values Budweiser clearly intended to emphasize.
The ad closes with the brand’s familiar message: “Made of America.” A final title card reads, “For 150 Years, This Bud’s For You.”
Fans Call It One of Budweiser’s Best
Reaction online was swift and emotional. Many viewers praised the ad’s patriotic tone and classic storytelling, with some calling it the best Budweiser Super Bowl commercial in years.
“Well done Budweiser. Welcome back to being American,” one user wrote on X, while another added, “If this doesn’t give you chills you can’t call yourself an American!!”
Others compared it favorably to the brand’s most iconic past efforts. “The best Budweiser commercial since the 2001 one!” one fan wrote. Another joked, “Dear NFL, could we just cancel the Super Bowl halftime show and watch this repeatedly on the Jumbotron instead?”
One particularly emotional viewer summed up the reaction many shared: “I’ve watched this 30 times and cry every time. You guys hit it out of the park with this one. Greatest of all time.”
The Meaning Behind “American Icons”
According to Todd Allen, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Budweiser at Anheuser-Busch, the Americana theme was intentional and tied to a historic year.
“As we celebrate Budweiser’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday, we knew we had to rise to the occasion in a way only Budweiser can,” Allen said in a statement. “American Icons brings our heritage to life through powerful storytelling with the Budweiser Clydesdales and an American Bald Eagle. This year’s spot will leave fans awestruck and proud to enjoy a Budweiser as they celebrate our shared milestone moments.”
A Shift in Tone After Past Backlash
The enthusiastic reception comes years after Budweiser’s parent company faced intense scrutiny following a 2023 sponsored Instagram post involving transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The campaign sparked a conservative backlash, while some supporters of transgender rights later criticized the company for what they felt was a lack of public support for Mulvaney amid the controversy.
At the time, Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch InBev, addressed the issue in an interview with CBS Mornings, saying Bud Light should be about “bringing people together,” while stopping short of directly labeling the campaign a mistake.
Mulvaney later expressed her disappointment publicly, arguing that failing to stand by a trans partner sends a harmful message. An Anheuser-Busch spokesperson responded that the company remained committed to partnerships across diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ organizations, while refocusing on brewing beer and connecting with consumers in meaningful moments.
A Return to Familiar Ground
With American Icons, Budweiser appears to be leaning heavily into heritage, symbolism, and nostalgia—an approach that many fans say reminds them why the brand’s Super Bowl ads once dominated conversations every year.
Whether seen as a heartfelt tribute to American imagery, a savvy marketing reset, or simply a beautifully told story, the response is clear: for many viewers, Budweiser’s latest Super Bowl commercial feels like a powerful reminder of the emotional storytelling that made the brand iconic in the first place.
