*Super Bowl MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts was notably absent when the Philadelphia Eagles visited the White House on Monday. The team gathered with President Donald Trump to celebrate their big Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Hurts did not share a reason for missing the event, and White House officials cited “scheduling conflicts” for his absence.
This Eagles visit continues a revived tradition of championship teams meeting the President. Recently, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Ohio State football team also visited. However, Hurts’ absence drew attention due to past tensions between athletes and the Trump administration.
History of Eagles and Trump: A Complicated Relationship
This was not the first time the Eagles’ relationship with Trump made headlines. After their 2017 Super Bowl win, many Eagles players declined a White House visit. At that time, Trump criticized NFL players who protested racial injustice during the national anthem, saying team owners should fire protesting players.
The controversy led to Trump rescinding the Eagles’ 2018 invitation. This year, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie emphasized that attending the celebration was optional, saying, “If you want to enjoy this, come along and we’ll have a great time,” Yahoo Sports is reporting.
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Eagles Owner Stresses Importance of Tradition
During an April 1 news conference, Lurie highlighted the importance of visiting the White House. He mentioned that it was a long-standing tradition and expressed excitement over finally participating after missing out in 2018.
“To be celebrated at the White House is a good thing. There were special circumstances back then that were very different, and so this was kind of an obvious choice and look forward to it.”
Other Quarterbacks Also Missed White House Visits
Jalen Hurts is not alone in skipping a White House visit after a championship win. Tom Brady missed several trips during his New England Patriots career. He did not attend visits under Presidents Trump and Obama, often citing “scheduling conflicts.”
However, Brady did attend visits during George W. Bush’s presidency and after his Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2021 Super Bowl victory when Joe Biden was president.
Saquon Barkley Attends Event, Plays Golf with Trump
Star Eagles running back Saquon Barkley took a different approach. He attended the White House ceremony and even played golf with Trump the day before. Barkley received both praise and criticism online for the golf outing.
Barkley defended his decision, saying he had “respect” for the office of the President. During the event, he stood near Trump at the podium, and Trump praised Barkley’s stellar 2024 season that earned him NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Eagles Celebrate with Trump, Hurts’ Absence Unmentioned
More than 40 Eagles team members, including Lane Johnson, Cooper DeJean, head coach Nick Sirianni, and owner Jeffrey Lurie, attended the ceremony. Trump highlighted Hurts’ famous “tush push” play but made no direct mention of Hurts missing the event.
After speeches from Johnson, Sirianni, and Lurie — each ending with “go birds” — the Eagles presented Trump with an autographed helmet to commemorate their victory and visit.
Will Jalen Hurts visit the White House next week? pic.twitter.com/a82rZwnK0a
— TIME (@TIME) April 25, 2025
Why Jalen Hurts’ Absence Matters
Hurts’ choice to skip the White House visit underlines ongoing divisions in sports and politics. Athletes today use their platform to make powerful statements, whether by speaking out or, like Hurts, simply choosing not to attend a political event.
While the Eagles celebrated their success, Hurts’ quiet absence spoke volumes to fans and media alike, reminding everyone that sports and politics remain deeply connected.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: White House & Eagles: Invitation Controversy. Political Divisions Fuel Misinformation; NO Rejection, Says Administration
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