Budweiser’s “American Icons” Isn’t Just a Super Bowl Ad — It’s a Reminder of What America Used to Feel Like
As Budweiser celebrates 150 years of brewing in the United States, the brand is honoring the milestone by leaning back into the imagery that once defined its soul — a decision that has clearly struck a chord with football fans nationwide. The company’s new Super Bowl commercial, titled “American Icons,” is set to air on the NFL’s biggest stage and is already being widely praised as a powerful return to classic form.
The cinematic spot centers on two enduring American symbols long tied to Budweiser’s legacy: a Clydesdale horse and a bald eagle. The story begins when a young Clydesdale comes across a bald eagle chick that has fallen from its nest. From there, the ad traces the growing bond between them as they endure storms, changing seasons, and moments of vulnerability side by side.
The most visually arresting scene arrives when the now fully grown eagle spreads its wings while standing atop the horse’s back, framed by warm sunlight. For a brief moment, the image evokes a Pegasus-like silhouette, intentionally tapping into themes of resilience, unity, and shared strength — values clearly at the heart of Budweiser’s message.
The commercial closes with a familiar tagline: “Made of America.” A final title card follows, reading, “For 150 Years, This Bud’s For You.”
Reaction online was swift and deeply emotional. Viewers applauded the ad’s patriotic tone and timeless storytelling, with many calling it Budweiser’s strongest Super Bowl commercial in years.
“Well done, Budweiser. Welcome back to being American,” one user wrote on X. 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 celebrated past campaigns. “The best Budweiser commercial since 2001,” one fan commented, while another joked, “Dear NFL, can we skip the halftime show and just play this on the Jumbotron?”
One especially moved viewer summed up the shared sentiment: “I’ve watched this at least 30 times and cry every single time. You absolutely nailed it. Greatest of all time.”
The Meaning Behind “American Icons”
According to Todd Allen, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Budweiser at Anheuser-Busch, the return to Americana was a deliberate choice tied to a landmark year for both the brand and the nation.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
A Shift in Tone After Past Backlash
The overwhelmingly positive reception arrives several years after Budweiser’s parent company faced intense criticism following a 2023 sponsored Instagram post involving transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The campaign sparked a conservative backlash, while some LGBTQ+ supporters later criticized the company for what they viewed as insufficient public support during the controversy.
At the time, Anheuser-Busch InBev CEO Brendan Whitworth addressed the situation in an interview, stating that Bud Light’s intention was to bring people together, though he stopped 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. In response, an Anheuser-Busch spokesperson reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnerships across diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ organizations, while emphasizing its focus on brewing beer and connecting with consumers through meaningful moments.
A Return to Familiar Ground
With “American Icons,” Budweiser appears to be re-embracing heritage, symbolism, and nostalgia — a direction many fans say recalls an era when the brand’s Super Bowl commercials routinely dominated the national conversation.
Whether viewed as a heartfelt tribute to American imagery, a calculated brand reset, or simply a beautifully executed piece of storytelling, the response is undeniable. For many viewers, Budweiser’s latest Super Bowl entry serves as a reminder of the emotional storytelling that once made the brand truly iconic.
