Cory Asbury Puts “Jesus Bowl ’26” Halftime Idea On Hold
Cory Asbury Puts “Jesus Bowl ’26” Halftime Idea On Hold. Worship leader Cory Hunter Asbury moved to clear the air in a recent social media post after a viral wave of messages surrounding the idea of a faith-focused alternative to the Super Bowl halftime show.
“I’ve been getting absolutely blown up about this Jesus Bowl ’26 alternative halftime show idea,” Asbury said, asking for clarity and explaining the choice to pause the project.
What began as a dream to lift the name of Jesus during one of the year’s most-watched cultural moments gradually attracted outside attention and distractions. Asbury and collaborator Forrest Frank decided not to move forward with the idea in its current form after prayerful reflection. “This dream was never about rivalry. It’s not us vs Bad Bunny. It’s not us vs Turning Point USA. It’s not about politics, parties or proving a point. The heart was never competition, just worship,” he said.
The concept, which the duo initially floated as a family-friendly, Jesus-centred halftime event and which many online quickly dubbed the “Jesus Bowl,” went viral last month. Interest intensified when conservative group Turning Point USA announced plans for its own alternative halftime event timed with Super Bowl LX. That announcement led to speculation that Asbury and Frank were partnering with the organisation.
Asbury said he and Frank spoke with Turning Point USA in the spirit of unity, but ultimately concluded the two visions were incompatible. They felt the current plan risked drawing focus away from worship and toward headlines and hype. “We want whatever we do next to be pure and focused solely on Jesus, not on headlines, not on hype,” Asbury wrote, adding his belief that there is still something great to come in the spirit of the original idea.
In his message, Asbury expressed deep gratitude to the many churches, stadiums, arenas and donors who offered space and resources with no strings attached. He called those offers a beautiful reflection of a shared commitment to furthering the gospel and said that such support will bear fruit even though the current plan is paused.
Asbury framed the pause as an act of stewardship rather than defeat. “Not forever, just not now,” he reiterated, and invited followers to watch for a different expression of the dream as they seek to follow what they believe God has in mind next.
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