I think its less Jon as CEO making the decision and more the fact that band just aren't in a position to play that event.

From what I've read around the topic, the NFL have been looking to move towards younger performers for the half time show. Couple that with the fact this is the least popular and most saturated Jovi have been for a long time and an AWOL lead guitarist, they were never going to get picked even if Jon had pushed for it (regardless of his relationship with the movers and shakers of the sport).

Bruno Mars was a good choice, he skews slightly older than alot of young artists out there, loads of hit singles, has a proper (and very talented backing band) - he ticks the boxes required imo.