Budweiser unveils patriotic new Super Bowl ad honoring ‘deep-rooted American heritage’
Beer company’s ‘American Icons’ ad features Clydesdales and bald eagle in deeply patriotic message
Budweiser recently unveiled its patriotic, Americana-themed ad for this year’s Super Bowl — with the company once again part of the big game’s advertising lineup.
This year’s “American Icons” commercial commemorates Budweiser’s 150th anniversary, according to a news release.
The ad follows a Clydesdale foal that forms a friendship with a young bird. It’s a bond that grows between the two over time as Lynyrd Skynyrd’s iconic “Free Bird” plays.
“One day, the bird perches on the Clydesdale’s back, flapping its wings in an attempt to fly” with help from the horse, the company notes about the spot. “Despite the effort, the bird can’t quite fly yet — and nearby farmers, including Brian Fransen, a real-life Budweiser barley farmer, look on, amused by the bond.”
In time, as both creatures grow, the bird is revealed to be a glorious bald eagle as it takes flight from the galloping and now-grown horse’s back — resembling the mythical Pegasus.
Budweiser has unveiled a patriotic new Super Bowl ad highlighting its American heritage, featuring a Clydesdale colt and a bald eagle — with many fans already applauding the move. (Anheuser-Busch)
“You crying?” one farmer says to the other.
“Nah. Sun’s in my eyes,” comes the response.
The spot honors the brand’s “deep-rooted American heritage and features the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales in their 48th national appearance on the Super Bowl stage,” the company noted in its release.
Todd Allen, senior vice president of marketing for Budweiser, said the brand “knew we had to rise to the occasion in a way only Budweiser can.”
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He added, “‘American Icons’ brings our heritage to life through powerful storytelling with the Budweiser Clydesdales and an American bald eagle.”
He went on, “This year’s spot will leave fans awestruck and proud to enjoy a Budweiser as they celebrate our shared milestone moments.”
Budweiser’s new 60-second ad will be shown on the biggest day of the NFL season. The Super Bowl is Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.  (Anheuser-Busch)
The 60-second commercial will be shown on the biggest day of the NFL season.
Fans have already begun posting thoughts and congratulations to the company about its ad.
One person wrote on X, “Well done, Budweiser. Welcome back to being American.”
“The Budweiser eagle ad is a reminder of what Americana looks like — strength, pride and love for this country.” — Brian Downey, owner of Downey’s Bar & Grill in the Bronx
Another person wrote, “If this doesn’t give you chills, you can’t call yourself an American!”
Yet another person said, “Dear NFL, could we just cancel the Super Bowl halftime show and watch this repeatedly on the Jumbotron instead? I’ve never seen a better Budweiser commercial than this one,” the individual added.
“Can’t stop rewinding it. Goosebumps every time,” said another person who posted thoughts on YouTube.
The Budweiser Clydesdales are shown during Game Five of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Oct. 14, 2011, in St. Louis, Missouri. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“Love the colt,” wrote another fan on Facebook.
“Best Budweiser commercial ever,” someone else gushed.
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“The Budweiser eagle ad is a reminder of what Americana looks like — strength, pride and love for this country,” Brian Downey, owner of Downey’s Bar & Grill in the Bronx, told Fox News Digital.
“It’s a nod to the beer drinkers who embody that spirit.”
The senior vice president of marketing said the new commercial “will leave fans awestruck and proud to enjoy a Budweiser.” (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Taylor Lowry, a bartender at Grease whiskey bar and restaurant in West Palm Beach, Florida, told Fox News Digital she loves the new commercial.
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“The bald eagle represents what Americans want to be — powerful and free,” she said.
In the spring of 2023, Bud Light faced a nationwide boycott after transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney revealed a partnership between herself and the brand.
The response to Budweiser’s brand-new campaign for this year’s Super Bowl has been mostly positive on social media. (iStock)
The year after, in 2024, Budweiser’s Super Bowl appearance marked a return to the beverage maker’s roots.
In response to the new ad on social media this week, one person wrote, “They made one mistake & have realized it … I forgive them.”
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“Heartwarming,” wrote another person.
“One of their best,” said another.
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“Truly beautiful, tears. The best Clydesdale film with the majestic eagle. God Bless America,” said another person.
See a clip from the ad in the video below from “Varney & Co.”
Andrea Margolis is a lifestyle writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can follow her on X at @andreamargs or send story tips to andrea.margolis@fox.com.
