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 iconic beer company is returning to its roots with a Super Bowl commercial that has already struck an emotional chord with fans. The new ad, titled “American Icons,” is set to air on the biggest day of the NFL season—and viewers are calling it one of the brand’s most powerful spots in years.

The cinematic commercial centers on two beloved symbols closely tied to both America and Budweiser: a Clydesdale and a bald eagle. The story begins when a young Clydesdale discovers a bald eagle chick that has fallen from its nest. What follows is a heartfelt portrayal of friendship and resilience, as the two animals grow side by side, supporting one another through changing seasons and difficult moments.

In the ad’s most visually striking scene, the fully grown eagle spreads its wings while perched on the horse’s back, creating the illusion of a Pegasus against a glowing sunset. The commercial closes with the line, “Made of America,” followed by the familiar slogan: “For 150 Years, This Bud’s For You.”

Emotional Reactions Pour In

Viewers were quick to praise the ad’s patriotic tone and storytelling. On social media platform X, fans described the commercial as “beautiful,” “powerful,” and even “the best Budweiser Super Bowl commercial ever.”

“Well done Budweiser. Welcome back to being American,” one user wrote. Another added, “If this doesn’t give you chills you can’t call yourself an American!!”

Others compared it favorably to the brand’s earlier iconic ads. “The best Budweiser commercial since the 2001 one!” one fan posted. 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 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.”

A Milestone Year for Budweiser—and America

According to Todd Allen, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Budweiser at Anheuser-Busch, the patriotic theme was intentional.

“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 press release. “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.”

The company clearly leaned into Americana imagery during a historic year, reinforcing long-standing brand associations with tradition and national identity.

A Return to Familiar Territory

The enthusiastic response comes years after Budweiser’s parent company faced backlash following a 2023 partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney for a sponsored Bud Light Instagram post. The collaboration sparked criticism from conservative voices, while some LGBTQ+ supporters later expressed disappointment over what they perceived as insufficient public backing for Mulvaney during the controversy.

At the time, Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch InBev, appeared on CBS Mornings and stated that Bud Light should be “about bringing people together,” though he declined to directly label the campaign a mistake.

Mulvaney later spoke publicly about feeling unsupported, while an Anheuser-Busch spokesperson reiterated the company’s ongoing commitment to partnerships across diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ organizations.

A Brand Reconnecting With Its Core Identity

 

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With “American Icons,” Budweiser appears to be embracing a message centered on heritage, resilience, and shared national symbolism. Whether viewed as a strategic pivot or simply a celebration of milestone anniversaries, the ad has undeniably resonated with many football fans ahead of the Super Bowl.

For now, one thing is clear: Budweiser’s latest commercial has reignited conversation—not through controversy, but through nostalgia, emotion, and imagery that feels unmistakably tied to the brand’s long-standing identity.