BREAKING: Steelers Owner J.R. Mooney Reportedly ‘Vows to Keep Pop Star Benny Bravo Out of Acrisure Stadium’ — The Singer’s Response Has Fans Laughing
PITTSBURGH, PA — The internet is losing it after a viral rumor claimed that Steelers owner J.R. Mooney “vowed to keep global pop sensation Benny Bravo out of Acrisure Stadium” ahead of the team’s upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The rumor, which spread late Friday night on social media, alleged that the award-winning artist planned to attend the game to “win over NFL fans” during his world tour — and that Mooney wasn’t having it.
But before the story could spiral further, both sides responded — and fans are calling it the funniest “controversy” of the season.
Mooney’s Response: “Only If He Wears Black and Gold”
When asked about the rumor at a Saturday press conference, Mooney laughed it off.
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
“Keep him out? No way,” he said with a grin. “Everyone’s welcome at Acrisure — as long as they wear black and gold. That’s the only rule.”
Reporters broke into laughter, and within minutes, #BlackAndGoldOnly began trending across X (formerly Twitter).
“Classic Steelers energy — serious on the field, hilarious off it.”
Benny Bravo Fires Back With Humor
Hours later, Benny Bravo himself responded in the most lighthearted way possible. Posting a selfie on Instagram wearing a Steelers hoodie and holding a Terrible Towel, he wrote:
“Relax, boss I’m just coming to watch the game. Promise I’ll cheer for Pittsburgh — unless they’re losing.”
The caption exploded online, earning more than 2.5 million likes in less than a day.
The Steelers’ official account joined the fun, commenting:
“We’ll save you a seat… just not on the Bengals side.”
Fans Can’t Get Enough
By Sunday morning, Pittsburgh fans had turned the playful exchange into a meme war. Photoshopped images of Bravo performing at halftime flooded social media, with captions like “Live from Acrisure: Benny Bravo feat. the Bengals’ Ls.”
Even Cincinnati fans joined in, joking:
“Let him in — maybe he’ll distract the Steelers’ defense.”
Local radio hosts called it “the most Pittsburgh story ever — a billionaire owner, a Latin pop star, and a stadium full of fans who turned a fake feud into friendship.”
From Rumor to Rallying Cry
ESPN’s Tony Greer commented on the viral moment:
“This is how sports and pop culture collide in 2025 — one emoji, one post, and you’ve got the internet cheering.”
Activewear
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s Mayor even joined the fun, tweeting:
“If Benny Bravo wants to come to Acrisure, we’ll make sure he gets the best wings in town. Welcome to the 412.”
A Feel-Good Ending
By game day, Steelers fans were proudly waving Terrible Towels and joking about “Bravo Season.” Merchandise shops near Acrisure Stadium even began selling T-shirts reading “Everyone’s Welcome (Even Benny Bravo)”.
As kickoff approached, Mooney was asked one last time about the viral rumor. He smiled and said:
“If he shows up, he better sing ‘Here We Go Steelers’ before the national anthem. Otherwise, he’s walking home.”
The crowd laughed. The internet cheered. And Pittsburgh once again proved why it’s the city of grit, gold — and great humor.
I’m just coming to watch the game. Promise I’ll cheer for Pittsburgh — unless they’re losing.”
