The Philadelphia Eagles have accepted an invitation from President Donald Trump to visit the White House in honor of their victory in Super Bowl LIX. Star quarterback Jalen Hurts may be questionable for the visit, as he hesitated when asked about attending the official visit on April 28 at the 2025 TIME100 gala. The team had previously declined an invitation in 2018 after several players stated they would not participate due to the president’s criticism of national anthem protests. However, Eagles team owner Jeffrey Lurie called the visit a “time-honored tradition” that the team was looking forward to.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni expressed excitement about the visit, stating that it is an honor to be able to go to the White House and that teams winning championships have been doing so for a long time. Trump, who has made appearances at various sporting events both as president and during his campaign, was in New Orleans for the Super Bowl. The team had enthusiastically accepted the invitation from the president earlier in March, following their decision not to attend the White House in 2018 after winning their first-ever Super Bowl. Despite some speculation about Hurts’ attendance, the team seems eager to participate in this longstanding tradition of championship teams visiting the White House.
The Eagles’ acceptance of the invitation indicates a desire to put past controversies behind them and embrace the opportunity to celebrate their victory with the president at the White House. The visit has historical significance as a tradition for championship teams, and the team’s decision to participate reflects their excitement and honor at being able to partake in this tradition. The media coverage surrounding Hurts’ potential attendance adds to the anticipation and curiosity surrounding the event, with many fans and observers eager to see how the team will be represented at the White House.
The exchange between Hurts and the interviewer at the TIME100 gala underscores the uncertainty surrounding his attendance and adds a layer of drama to the upcoming visit. Despite the potential absence of Hurts, the team’s enthusiasm and eagerness to visit the White House is clear through the statements made by owner Jeffrey Lurie and head coach Nick Sirianni. The visit carries symbolic weight as a recognition of the team’s achievement in winning the Super Bowl and provides an opportunity for the players and staff to celebrate their accomplishment on a national stage.
Overall, the Eagles’ forthcoming visit to the White House represents a significant moment of recognition and celebration for the team following their Super Bowl victory. The event will allow the players and staff to enjoy a traditional honor that has long been associated with championship teams, despite any controversy or politics that may surround the visit. The uncertainty surrounding Hurts’ attendance adds an element of intrigue to the proceedings, but the team’s overall enthusiasm for the visit suggests that they are ready to embrace the opportunity and focus on celebrating their success in a historic setting. The event will be closely watched and awaited by both fans and media, as it promises to be a memorable occasion for all involved.