As Budweiser marks 150 years of brewing in the United States, the company is celebrating the milestone by returning to the imagery that once defined its identity — a move that has clearly resonated with football fans across the country. The brand’s new Super Bowl commercial, titled “American Icons,” is scheduled to air on the NFL’s biggest stage and is already being widely described as a powerful return to form.
The cinematic ad focuses on two timeless American symbols long associated with Budweiser: a Clydesdale horse and a bald eagle. The story opens with a young Clydesdale discovering a bald eagle chick that has fallen from its nest. From that moment on, the commercial follows the bond between the two as they face storms, shifting seasons, and moments of fragility together.
The most visually striking moment arrives when the eagle, now fully grown, spreads its wings while standing atop the horse’s back, silhouetted by warm sunlight. The image briefly resembles a Pegasus, intentionally evoking themes of resilience, unity, and shared strength — ideals clearly central to the message Budweiser wanted to convey.
The commercial ends with a familiar closing line: “Made of America.” A final title card follows, reading, “For 150 Years, This Bud’s For You.”
Online reaction was immediate and emotional. Viewers praised the commercial’s patriotic tone and classic storytelling, with many calling it Budweiser’s strongest Super Bowl ad 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 memorable past campaigns. “The best Budweiser commercial since 2001,” one fan commented, while another joked, “Dear NFL, can we just skip the halftime show and play this on the Jumbotron instead?”
One especially moved viewer captured the mood shared by many: “I’ve watched this at least 30 times and cry every 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 Americana-driven approach was deliberate and tied directly to a historic year for both the brand and the country.
“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 response comes several years after Budweiser’s parent company faced heavy criticism following a 2023 sponsored Instagram post involving transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The campaign triggered a strong conservative backlash, while some LGBTQ+ supporters later criticized the company for what they felt was a lack of visible support during the controversy.
At the time, Anheuser-Busch InBev CEO Brendan Whitworth addressed the situation in an interview, explaining that Bud Light’s goal was to bring people together, though he stopped short of directly calling the campaign a mistake.
Mulvaney later voiced her disappointment publicly, arguing that failing to stand by a trans partner sends a damaging message. In response, an Anheuser-Busch spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to partnerships across diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ organizations, while refocusing on its core mission of brewing beer and connecting with consumers through meaningful moments.
A Return to Familiar Ground
With American Icons, Budweiser appears to be embracing heritage, symbolism, and nostalgia — a strategy many fans say recalls the era when the brand’s Super Bowl commercials consistently dominated national conversation.
Whether viewed as a sincere tribute to American imagery, a calculated brand reset, or simply a beautifully crafted piece of storytelling, the response is unmistakable. For many viewers, Budweiser’s latest Super Bowl commercial serves as a reminder of the emotional storytelling that once made the brand truly iconic.
