Budweiser Dropped Its Super Bowl Ad Early — And Turned “American Icons” Into an Instant Classic
On Monday, January 26, Budweiser officially revealed its much-anticipated 2026 Super Bowl commercial. Rather than waiting for game day, the brand made a bold move by releasing the spot two weeks early, well ahead of Super Bowl LX on February 8, when the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots are set to face off.
In the days before the release, Budweiser carefully built curiosity through a series of teaser clips. One short video, titled “Stable,” showed the legendary Budweiser Clydesdales looking on as an unknown animal squirmed beneath a bucket, leaving viewers guessing about what — or who — was being teased.
A second teaser, titled “Foal,” introduced the youngest Clydesdale ever featured in a Budweiser commercial. The brief glimpse only deepened the mystery, prompting audiences to wonder how the foal connected to the unseen creature hinted at in the earlier clip.
The full commercial ultimately revealed the answer. Set to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird,” the ad follows the story of a young Clydesdale who forms a bond with an eaglet that has not yet learned how to fly.
As the seasons change and time moves forward, the two grow side by side. The Clydesdale patiently supports the eaglet’s attempts to take flight, with both pressing on through repeated failures and quiet moments of perseverance.
One of the ad’s most visually striking scenes arrives near the end, when the now-grown Clydesdale clears a fallen tree. Backlit by warm sunlight, massive wings appear to stretch from its body, briefly creating the illusion of a powerful, Pegasus-like figure.
Moments later, the eaglet — now a fully grown bald eagle — rises into the sky, completing the ad’s central visual metaphor of growth, resilience, and freedom.
Officially titled “American Icons,” Budweiser’s 2026 Super Bowl commercial was met with immediate and enthusiastic praise. Many viewers quickly labeled it an instant classic, with some calling it one of the strongest campaigns the brand has delivered in years.
Budweiser Executive Shares The Meaning Behind The Brand’s Latest Super Bowl Ad
The title “American Icons” captures the core message of Budweiser’s 2026 Super Bowl commercial, centering on two of the most recognizable symbols in American culture: the bald eagle and the Budweiser Clydesdale.
The music choice reinforces that symbolism. “Free Bird,” one of the most iconic rock songs in American history, was recorded by Lynyrd Skynyrd, a band that originated in Jacksonville, Florida, adding another layer of Americana to the story.
The patriotic tone was intentional. In 2026, the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, while Budweiser simultaneously marks 150 years as a brand — two milestones the company wanted to honor together.
Todd Allen, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Budweiser at Anheuser-Busch, explained the thinking behind the campaign in an interview with People.
“As we celebrate Budweiser’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday, we knew we had to rise to the moment in a way only Budweiser can,” Allen said. “‘American Icons’ brings our heritage to life through powerful storytelling featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales and the American bald eagle. This year’s spot is meant to leave fans inspired and proud as they come together to celebrate these shared milestones.”
You can watch Budweiser’s latest Super Bowl commercial in the video below.
