Following their commanding 40–22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, the Philadelphia Eagles have made headlines not only for their on-field performance but also for their decision regarding the traditional White House visit. (Philadelphia Eagles officially accept invitation to visit White House to celebrate Super Bowl LIX victory | CNN)
On February 24, 2025, a team
spokesperson confirmed that the Eagles would be honored to visit the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl win, pending an official invitation. This announcement came amid speculation and rumors suggesting the team might decline such an invitation, reminiscent of the 2018 scenario when the Eagles’ visit was canceled by President Trump due to disagreements over national anthem protests. (Eagles would be honored to visit the White House to celebrate Super Bowl win, source says | CNN, Trump says Philadelphia Eagles will be invited to White House after beating Chiefs in Super Bowl – CBS Philadelphia)
President Trump extended the invitation shortly thereafter, expressing his admiration for the team’s performance and stating that they deserved to be celebrated at the White House. The Eagles officially accepted the invitation, with the visit scheduled for April 28, 2025. (Trump says Philadelphia Eagles will be invited to White House after beating Chiefs in Super Bowl – CBS Philadelphia, Philadelphia Eagles officially accept invitation to visit White House to celebrate Super Bowl LIX victory | CNN)
However, the event was not without controversy. Several key players, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and cornerback Darius Slay, chose to skip the visit, citing “scheduling conflicts.” While the team emphasized that attendance was voluntary, the absences sparked discussions about potential political motivations. (Trump says Philadelphia Eagles will be invited to White House after beating Chiefs in Super Bowl – CBS Philadelphia, A Dozen Philadelphia Eagles Players Skip White House Visit with Donald Trump)
During the celebration, President Trump made a pointed remark referencing pop star Taylor Swift, who had been present at the Super Bowl supporting her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Trump’s comment, “How did that work out?” was perceived by many as a jab at Swift, leading to criticism from her fans and further intertwining politics with sports. (Trump Dissed Taylor Swift During the Eagles’ White House Visit Because of Course He Did)
Adding to the event’s unique moments, Eagles cornerback Eli Ricks publicly expressed admiration for Ivanka Trump, who attended the celebration with her children. Ricks’s comments on social media, describing Ivanka as “exactly my type,” garnered significant attention and added a personal dimension to the political event. (Eagles Player Shoots His Shot With Ivanka After Trump Visit, Eagles’ Eli Ricks fawns over Ivanka Trump after White House visit: ‘Exactly my type’)
The Eagles’ decision to attend the White House, despite some players’ absences, marks a departure from their 2018 experience and reflects the evolving dynamics between sports teams and political institutions. While the visit celebrated the team’s athletic achievements, it also highlighted the ongoing interplay between sports, politics, and personal expression. A Dozen Philadelphia Eagles Players Skip White House Visit with Donald Trump
