In the midst of the fiery national debate surrounding Bad Bunny’s controversial SNL monologue, one NFL star is taking a very different stance. While many public figures have criticized the Puerto Rican artist for his bold use of Spanish and comments about identity, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith has stepped forward to defend him — and his words are going viral.
During a post-practice media session, Smith addressed the growing backlash head-on. “People are calling it disrespectful just because he spoke Spanish? Come on, man,” Smith said. “This is America — a country built by people from everywhere. Speaking your language on that stage isn’t un-American. It’s representation.”
His comments came after Bad Bunny’s SNL appearance sparked an online firestorm. In his opening monologue, the global superstar mixed humor with cultural pride, declaring, “I’m proud to be Puerto Rican — and I won’t apologize for speaking Spanish on any stage.” Critics accused him of “ignoring American values,” while supporters called it a powerful moment of inclusion and authenticity.
Almost immediately after Smith’s defense went public, social media exploded. Hashtags like #StandWithDeVonta, #RepresentationMatters, and #BadBunnySNL began trending within hours. Fans praised Smith for using his platform to speak up for diversity, while others accused him of “politicizing football.”
Despite the backlash, Smith remains firm. “If being proud of who you are offends people, maybe the problem isn’t the language — maybe it’s the mindset,” he told reporters.
As the debate continues, one thing is undeniable: DeVonta Smith has shifted the conversation. What started as an entertainment controversy has now become a deeper discussion about identity, inclusion, and what it truly means to be American in 2025.