As the confetti settled after Super Bowl LX, one moment continued to dominate conversations across the country—and it had nothing to do with the final score. Instead, viewers couldn’t stop talking about the final ten seconds of Budweiser’s “American Icons” commercial: a bald eagle spreading its wings from the back of a galloping Clydesdale, forming a breathtaking, Pegasus-like silhouette against the sky.
The image was so perfect, so cinematic, that many assumed it had to be computer-generated. Social media erupted with debate. Was it nature? Or was it a visual effects masterpiece?
The truth, it turns out, is even more remarkable.
No AI. No Shortcuts. Just Real Animals.
In an era dominated by CGI and artificial intelligence, Budweiser made a bold—and risky—choice. According to Anheuser-Busch, “American Icons” was filmed with 100% real animals and zero AI involvement, marking a return to traditional filmmaking as the brand celebrates its 150th anniversary.
The eagle at the center of the moment is Lincoln, a 28-year-old rescued bald eagle from the American Eagle Foundation. Once found injured near a dumpster, Lincoln went on to become one of the most recognizable birds in America, famously soaring over Lincoln Financial Field during Philadelphia Eagles home games.
And yes—that unbelievable takeoff was real.
How the ‘Impossible’ Shot Was Achieved
The commercial was filmed over several days in California, chosen not for convenience but for its natural light and sweeping landscapes that evoke a timeless American feel.
Contrary to online theories, Lincoln was never forced to fly. His trainers follow a strict “bird-first behavior” philosophy, meaning every action is voluntary. The iconic moment was achieved by positioning Lincoln’s trusted handlers at key points off-camera. When the time came, Lincoln did what he’s trained—and chooses—to do: he took flight.
“He didn’t fly because we told him to,” one handler explained. “He flew because he wanted to.”
Safety First for Two American Icons
Pairing a bald eagle with a massive Clydesdale raised understandable concerns among animal lovers. According to production records, the shoot was fully permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with a team of more than a dozen expert trainers on set at all times.
The Clydesdale featured in the finale was no newcomer. The horse had been gradually acclimated to Lincoln’s presence weeks before filming began. Despite the eagle’s status as an apex predator, trainers reported the two animals formed a surprisingly calm, almost symbiotic dynamic.
“Lincoln is a professional,” said one trainer. “He’s flown in front of 70,000 screaming fans. A galloping horse doesn’t rattle him.”
The Music That Sealed the Emotion
Then there’s the soundtrack.
Budweiser’s choice of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” turned a powerful visual into an emotional gut punch. As the guitar solo swells and Lincoln takes flight, the moment transforms into something more than advertising—it becomes memory, nostalgia, and national symbolism wrapped into a few unforgettable seconds.
By the time the ad ends—with two farmers sharing a beer and one quietly blaming the tears on “the sun in my eyes”—the emotional spell is complete.
Why ‘American Icons’ Hit So Hard
Every element worked in harmony:
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A rescued bald eagle symbolizing freedom and resilience
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The iconic Clydesdales representing strength and tradition
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A classic rock anthem tied to generations of shared memories
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A story timed to Budweiser’s 150th anniversary and America’s approaching 250th birthday
The result wasn’t just a Super Bowl commercial—it was a cultural moment.
A Crown Reclaimed
With American Icons, Budweiser didn’t just remind viewers of its legacy—it reasserted it. In a Super Bowl filled with flashy visuals and digital tricks, the brand won by going old-school: real animals, real emotion, and real storytelling.
And judging by the millions who are still rewatching that final takeoff—some wiping away tears—Budweiser may have once again claimed its long-standing title as the king of Super Bowl commercials.
So, what stole the show for you: the eagle’s impossible flight, or the quiet moment that followed when everyone pretended the sun was in their eyes? 🦅🐎🍺
