Budweiser is set to showcase a heartwarming new commercial during Super Bowl LX, titled “American Icons,” in celebration of its 150th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday. This minute-long advertisement features a touching story of friendship between two quintessential American symbols: a Clydesdale horse and a bald eagle.
In a series of teasers leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, the full commercial reveals a moving narrative. The ad opens with a Clydesdale foal happily bounding out of its stable to greet the day. During its adventure, the foal comes across a young eaglet that has fallen from its nest. Despite the eaglet’s misfortune, it is uninjured and still too young to take flight.
As the story unfolds, viewers witness the blossoming friendship between the horse and the eaglet. They support one another through various challenges, including rain, snow, and the eaglet’s flying lessons. In a climactic moment, both characters mature and demonstrate their bond; the fully-grown eagle soars into the sky while riding on the back of the Clydesdale, creating a majestic and unforgettable image that evokes the fantasy of a mythical creature.
Todd Allen, Budweiser’s Senior Vice President of Marketing at Anheuser-Busch, expressed that the ad encapsulates the brand’s rich heritage through powerful storytelling, resonating with audiences on both an emotional and patriotic level. The commercial concludes with the tagline “Made in America” and the phrase “For 150 Years, This Bud’s For You,” illustrating the milestones shared by the brand and the nation.
Acclaimed filmmaker Henry-Alex Rubin, who has directed Budweiser’s commercials for the past three years, helmed the project. The ad features the stirring musical backdrop of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic “Free Bird,” enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. Notably, a real-life barley farmer named Brian Fransen appears in the commercial, emphasizing the strong connection Budweiser has to American agriculture.
The “American Icons” commercial is set to air nationally during the Super Bowl on February 8, 2026, when the Seattle Seahawks will face off against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Budweiser will also share the spot on its YouTube channel and social media platforms, ensuring that fans can enjoy this heartfelt tribute to American values and heritage.