Philadelphia Eagles Spark Controversy by Rejecting Presidential Invitation
The Philadelphia Eagles have ignited controversy by declining President Donald Trump’s invitation to celebrate their Super Bowl victory at the White House, triggering an intense backlash from MAGA supporters and dividing fans across the country.
The rejection comes in the wake of Trump making history as the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl. In recent years, the NFL has become a political battleground, with critics on the right accusing the league of embracing “woke” policies. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s support for diversity and inclusion initiatives has repeatedly drawn criticism from Trump and his supporters.
According to reports from the U.S. Sun, the Eagles’ decision came despite team captain Lane Johnson initially expressing that a White House visit would be an honor. However, the final determination was made through a team vote, which reportedly resulted in a “massive no” to the invitation.
This marks the second time the Eagles have rejected a White House celebration during Trump’s tenure. In 2018, following their previous Super Bowl victory, the team also declined to attend. At that time, Trump stated the team wasn’t welcome because some players had knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice—though reports indicated only two Eagles players had planned to attend anyway.
The anthem protests, initiated by quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016, became emblematic of the broader Black Lives Matter movement against police brutality and systemic racism.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who made history with the NFL’s first all-female management team, was notably unenthusiastic when asked about Trump’s attendance at the Super Bowl, responding with a terse “No ma’am.” His reaction contrasted sharply with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who called Trump’s presence at the game an “honor.”