A baby horse and a bald eagle show up in a Super Bowl commercial — and somehow, it works so well it might leave half the country misty-eyed, beer in hand.
If anyone still owns the art of the Super Bowl ad, it’s Budweiser. For their 2026 Super Bowl return, the brand is swinging big to mark two massive milestones: Budweiser’s 150th anniversary and America’s upcoming 250th birthday. The result is a one-minute spot titled “American Icons,” built around two unmistakable symbols of strength and spirit — a Clydesdale foal and a bald eagle chick.
The commercial opens at dawn, fog hanging low as a young Clydesdale steps out of its stable. Nearby, an eaglet has fallen from its nest — shaken, but still alive. What unfolds next is a quiet, wordless story of companionship that feels less like advertising and more like a short film.
Set to Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd, the foal and the eaglet grow up side by side, weathering storms, snow, and time itself. When the eagle struggles to fly, the horse becomes its steady foundation. And in return, the bird seems to ignite something fierce and forward-moving in the foal.
As the seasons pass, both animals mature — and so does their bond. The emotional peak comes when the eagle finally launches into the sky, lifting off from the Clydesdale’s back in a moment that feels mythic, almost legendary. It’s part Western, part Americana folklore, and it hits with the force of something timeless.
Watching it all unfold are two farmers standing at the edge of the field. One discreetly wipes his eye. “You crying?” the other asks. “Sun’s in my eyes,” comes the reply. It’s a quiet joke — but it lands. Especially since one of those farmers, Brian Fransen, is an actual Budweiser barley farmer, grounding the moment in real-world roots.
The ad closes with the familiar words “This Bud’s For You,” followed by a simple dedication: “For 150 Years.” And just like that, Budweiser reminds everyone why they do this better than anyone else.
Todd Allen, Budweiser’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, summed it up plainly: the brand knew it had to meet the moment in a way only Budweiser could — by telling a story that honors its heritage through the Clydesdales and the American bald eagle.
Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Henry-Alex Rubin, “American Icons” marks Budweiser’s 48th Super Bowl commercial. Early reactions suggest it’s already on track to become another fan favorite. The production partnered with the American Eagle Foundation and received approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure the portrayal stayed true and respectful.
The commercial will air nationally during Super Bowl LX on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium, though it’s already making the rounds online — quietly wrecking emotions everywhere.
In a night filled with speed, spectacle, and impact, Budweiser chose a different kind of hero. One with feathers, hooves, and a heart that feels unmistakably American.