Budweiser’s Baby Clydesdale and Eaglet Steal Super Bowl Hearts in All-American Ad
A baby horse and a bald eagle walk into a Super Bowl commercial, and what happens next just might make America cry in its beer, and in the best way possible.
Budweiser, the undisputed king of iconic Super Bowl ads, is back at it again. This time, they are pulling out all the stops to celebrate their 150th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday. Their 2026 Super Bowl commercial, titled “American Icons,” pairs two of the most legendary symbols of American grit and glory. These are a Clydesdale foal and a bald eagle chick. What unfolds between them over the course of a one-minute spot is nothing short of cinematic magic.
The commercial opens on a misty morning as a young Clydesdale trots out of its stable. Not far off, an eaglet has tumbled from its nest. The little guy is down but not out. What follows is a wordless tale of friendship that feels as rich as any Western ballad. Set to the power of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird,” the foal and eaglet brave rainstorms, snowfall, and growing pains together. The foal offers a strong back when the chick tries and fails to fly, while the eaglet seems to give the horse a spark of spirit that keeps it charging forward.
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As the seasons change and both animals grow, their bond only deepens. When the eagle finally spreads its wings and takes flight, launching from the Clydesdale’s back like a winged guardian, it feels less like a commercial and more like the climax of a movie you did not know you needed. The sight of the eagle soaring above the galloping horse gives off mythical Pegasus energy, and it hits like a freight train of pure Americana.
Watching from a distance, a pair of farmers stand in awe. One wipes away a tear. “You crying?” the other asks. “Sun’s in my eyes,” he mumbles. One of those farmers is not just acting. He is Brian Fransen, a real-life Budweiser barley farmer, which grounds the whole thing in authentic rural roots.
For You
The commercial closes with Budweiser’s timeless slogan, “This Bud’s For You,” along with a nod to the moment. It reads, “For 150 Years.” Cue chills. Cue cheers. Maybe even cue that toast with a cold one.
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Budweiser’s SVP of Marketing, Todd Allen, said it best in a statement. “We knew we had to rise to the occasion in a way only Budweiser can. ‘American Icons’ brings our heritage to life through powerful storytelling with the Budweiser Clydesdales and an American Bald Eagle.”
Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Henry-Alex Rubin, the ad marks Budweiser’s 48th Super Bowl appearance. If social media reactions to the early teasers are any clue, it is already shaping up to be another all-time favorite. The brand worked with the American Eagle Foundation and received the blessing of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make sure every frame flew true.
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“American Icons” will air nationally during Super Bowl LX on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It is already up on Budweiser’s YouTube, racking up views and tugging on heartstrings.
In a game known for its high-flying plays and hard-hitting tackles, Budweiser chose a different kind of hero this year. This one has feathers, hooves, and an all-American heart.
