Jay-Z & NFL Expand Partnership Amid Super Bowl Controversy

Jay-Z and the NFL seems unfazed by the Super Bowl headliner debates! Bloomberg revealed the NFL recently renewed its deal with Hov and Roc Nation for its halftime show and social justice work.

RELATED: Super Bowl producer backs Jay-Z amid uproar over Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 headline show

Details on Jay’s NFL partnership expansion

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised his partnership with Jay-Z and CEO Desiree Perez, describing it as “mutually positive” and noting that everyone felt good.

“I’m not sure any of us really spend much time talking about contracts. Jay is happy. Desiree Perez is happy. I’m happy, so we’re all okay,” Goodell explains.

Hov and the NFL first teamed up in 2019 on a five-year, $25 million deal, according to HipHopDX. Details of the new agreement including its value and duration remain unclear.

The partnership has faced criticism over Colin Kaepernick’s unlucky behavior following his protest. Despite the backlash, Jay-Z turned the spotlight on Black artists at the Super Bowl, holding performances with Rihanna, Usher and a star-studded lineup, including Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dogg.

Super Bowl producer supports Jay-Z despite criticism of halftime show

TSR previously shared that Super Bowl halftime show producer Jesse Collins stood by Jay-Z amid the ongoing criticism. In a September interview with DiversityCollins discussed the reaction to the halftime performances, saying that Jay-Z made the decisions and he fully supports them, including Kendrick’s highly anticipated performance Lamar.

“That was a decision Jay made. Since we’ve been on that show, he’s been successful every year and it’s been great. He is always chosen right!” Collins explains.

For weeks, people have been debating the 2025 headliner, with stars like Master P, Nas, Nicki Minaj and Birdman weighing in on Kendrick taking the stage. Many believe that not choosing Weezy to headline is inconsiderate of his legacy.

Wayne himself also shared his disappointment at not being chosen in an emotional video. He admitted that it was “heartbreaking” not to be selected. He blamed himself for not “mentally preparing” for this disappointment. However, he did not mention Kendrick in his comments.

“I think there is nothing better than that place, that stage and that platform in my city. So it hurts, it hurts a lot. But you all are amazing. It makes me feel like I don’t have this opportunity, and when I feel like that, you guys remind me that I wouldn’t be indispensable without you.”

RELATED: Lil Wayne reacts to not being chosen as New Orleans’ Super Bowl halftime leader (VIDEO)

However, Jesse Collins responded to Wayne and his fans saying there is no problem with the ‘A Milli’ rapper and he is confident K. Dot will deliver a great performance.

“We love Wayne. There are always odds in Vegas on who will make it, Collins said. “But I think we’re going to have a great show with Kendrick and I think people are going to love the halftime show. I know Kendrick will work extremely hard to put on a great show.”

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