BREAKING: Greg Penner Slams MrBeast’s Controversial ‘NFL Buyout’ Stunt – Calls It a Disrespectful Attempt to Undermine the League’s Legacy for Views
Denver, CO – Greg Penner, the owner of the Denver Broncos, has spoken out against the viral ad released by internet sensation MrBeast in which he claims to have “purchased the entire NFL” as part of a promotion for a free livestream event. Penner, who has always championed the integrity of the NFL and its teams, has called out the video as nothing more than a publicity stunt aimed at grabbing attention without regard for the sport’s legacy.
In the ad, MrBeast, known for his over-the-top stunts and philanthropy, exaggerates his involvement with the NFL, saying, “I’ve bought the NFL, and now you can watch the entire league for free!” The video quickly went viral, with millions of views across social media platforms. While many of MrBeast’s followers took the video in stride as another outlandish stunt, Penner’s response was swift and critical.
"I understand the value of entertainment, but to trivialize the NFL, its players, coaches, and fans like this is disrespectful," Penner said in a statement to the media. "The NFL isn’t a game for sale—it’s a community built on passion, tradition, and respect. MrBeast may have a platform, but this stunt crosses a line, turning something sacred into a cheap grab for attention. The NFL deserves better than this.”
Penner’s remarks come as the NFL continues to make strides in its own efforts to connect with fans through digital content and expanded access, though never at the cost of the league’s integrity. While the NFL has embraced new ways to engage fans, including streaming options for games, Penner believes that the NFL’s value should not be reduced to clickbait and sensationalism.
The video, which has now sparked a firestorm of debate, has drawn mixed reactions across social media. Some fans found it humorous and entertaining, while others, like Penner, believe it undermines the seriousness and legacy of professional sports. “This is about more than just a viral moment,” Penner continued. “It’s about the values that make the NFL what it is today—commitment, respect, and dedication. This kind of stunt only cheapens the sport and distracts from the real issues we face as a league.”
While MrBeast has built his career on shocking stunts and viral videos, his latest move has raised eyebrows across the sports world. Critics argue that while his philanthropic efforts are commendable, this particular ad sends the wrong message about the value of sports and the organizations that run them.
MrBeast, known for his large-scale giveaways and challenges, has yet to respond to Penner’s criticism, but his past track record suggests he may brush off the controversy in favor of the attention his video generated.
For Penner and many others, however, the damage is already done. “It’s one thing to joke around or promote a charity,” Penner concluded, “but when you start playing with the integrity of the game, that’s where I draw the line.”
Caleb Williams Has Notable Comments on Jalen Hurts Ahead of Eagles–Bears Game
Jalen Hurts and Caleb Williams have yet to play against each other in the NFL, but that’s about to change.
Both quarterbacks were stars at the University of Oklahoma in college, although their tenures never overlapped. Hurts authored a legendary 2019 season in Norman, netting 3,851 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, 1,298 rushing yards and 20 rushing scores, finishing second in the Heisman voting that year.
Williams followed two years later and delivered one of the most electrifying freshman seasons in Sooners history, throwing for 1,912 yards and 21 touchdowns in just 11 games while adding six rushing scores.
Ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles‘ Week 13 showdown against the Chicago Bears, Williams shared the advice and wisdom Hurts once passed down to him when their paths crossed previously.
Caleb Williams Talks ‘Wisdom’ Gleaned From Eagles QB Jalen Hurts
GettyCaleb Williams said Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has passed down some nuggets of wisdom to him in the past.
“We’ve run into each other a few times,” Williams said about Hurts on November 26. “It’s quarterbacks being quarterbacks, saying what’s up, and checking on each other. Then, from there, he’s given me some wisdom, back when I was being recruited by Oklahoma, and he was leaving. Other than that, it’s been a little bit since we’ve kind of ran into each other.”
What wisdom did Hurts dispel?
“There are not many like us in our position, and who we are – skin tone and all of these different things – there are not many like us, so just being able to understand the opportunity that we have, and I have, to maximize that and put myself in the best opportunity possible,” Williams noted. “It was kind of that type of talk. Jalen, you’ve heard all of his bits. He’s pretty motivational when he speaks.”
A Closer Look at the Numbers for Each QB This Season
Williams enters Week 13 with 2,568 yards passing, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions, with a QBR of 55.3. The Bears remain one of the NFC’s most intriguing teams, and by all accounts appear to be trending upward.
Hurts enters the matchup with 2,284 yards, 17 touchdowns and just one interception, maintaining a 58.8 QBR. While Philadelphia’s offense has stumbled at times, Hurts has still had stretches of elite play (his Week 7 masterpiece against the Vikings, when he posted a perfect passer rating on 326 yards and three scores, comes to mind).
But inconsistency from Philly’s offensive line, injuries, and a passing game that has drifted in and out of sync have kept Philadelphia from fully resembling its championship form.
A win over an upstart Bears team would be a nice statement to make at a critical time.
A Brief Look at the Bears vs. Eagles Black Friday Matchup
The 8-3 Eagles host the 8-3 Bears on Black Friday, with huge playoff implications on the line.
Chicago is playing confident, physical football behind Williams, but the Eagles will be the best team they’ve seen yet.
Philadelphia is scoring 23.2 points and allowing 20.5 per game, leaning on their top-10 scoring defense. Chicago, by contrast, has been living on the edge, scoring 26.3 points per game while allowing 26.5.
Williams leads the NFL with five fourth-quarter comebacks, so Chicago isn’t a team to count out if it’s at all close late in the game. The Bears could also get top corners Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon back, which would give the entire defense a huge boost.
Philly has been excellent in the red zone, which is an area Williams and the Bears have struggled in all year. Whichever team plays best there will likely come out on top, but this should be the game of the week by a long shot.
