PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- On April 28, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles celebrated their Super Bowl championship with a visit to the White House, but star quarterback Jalen Hurts opted not to attend. This decision has sparked considerable discussion, especially given the historical significance of such visits for championship teams. Hurts, along with several teammates, cited scheduling conflicts as the reason for their absence, according to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The ceremony, which began after 4 p.m., was attended by more than 40 Eagles players, including owner Jeffrey Lurie, head coach Nick Sirianni, and star running back Saquon Barkley. The Eagles are the third championship team to visit the White House in recent weeks, following the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Ohio State football team.
During the ceremony, President Donald Trump praised the Eagles for their "unforgettable display of athleticism" during the Super Bowl, where they triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs with a score of 40-22. Trump highlighted Hurts' impressive season, noting that he finished with 32 touchdowns. However, Trump did not mention Hurts during his speech, which has led to further speculation about the quarterback's absence.
Hurts' decision to skip the visit comes after a similar situation during Trump's first term when the Eagles did not attend the White House celebration following their Super Bowl win in 2018. That event was canceled after many players opted out due to Trump's criticism of NFL players who protested during the national anthem. In contrast, this year, the Eagles accepted the invitation but faced differing attendance from their star players.
Owner Jeffrey Lurie expressed excitement about the visit, stating, "When you grow up and you hear about the championship team got to go to the White House, that's what this is. We didn't have that opportunity and now we do, and I think we are all looking forward to it." Lurie also clarified that attendance was optional, which may have contributed to the absence of key players like Hurts.
Hurts' noncommittal response to questions about attending the White House celebration has drawn attention. At a Time magazine gala last week, he was asked if he planned to visit, to which he awkwardly replied with an "um" before walking away. This moment has since gone viral, fueling speculation that his absence might be interpreted as a political statement.
In contrast, Saquon Barkley attended the ceremony and even spent the weekend golfing with Trump at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Barkley faced criticism for this outing but defended his choice, stating on social media that he respects the office of the president. During the ceremony, he stood near Trump and received praise for his performance during the season, which earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors.
As the Eagles celebrated their championship, the dynamics between the team, the White House, and the players’ individual choices have highlighted the ongoing intersection of sports and politics. The Eagles' previous visit was marred by controversy, and while this visit has been more straightforward, the absence of their star quarterback adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.
Looking back, the Eagles' decision not to visit the White House in 2018 was largely influenced by the political climate and the president's comments regarding protests. Many players felt uncomfortable attending an event where they might be criticized for their beliefs. This year, while attendance was encouraged, the decision to skip out illustrates the continuing impact of politics on sports.
As the Eagles gathered to celebrate their Super Bowl victory, the contrasting choices of their key players reflect the diverse perspectives within the team. While Hurts may have chosen to stay away, the majority of his teammates embraced the opportunity to celebrate with the president, marking a significant moment in their franchise history.
The Eagles' visit to the White House serves as a reminder of the traditions surrounding championship celebrations, but it also underscores the evolving relationship between sports figures and political figures. As fans reflect on this day, the varying attendance and the reasons behind it will likely be discussed for years to come.
In conclusion, the Eagles' White House visit was a moment of triumph, but it was also a moment of reflection on the complexities of modern sports culture. As the team looks ahead to the next season, the narratives surrounding their championship run and the political landscape will continue to shape their journey.
