Philadelphia Eagles Decline White House Visit After Super Bowl Victory

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly declined an invitation to visit the White House following their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, igniting a wave of backlash from supporters of former President Donald Trump.

The announcement comes after a source within the Eagles organization, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the players had reached a consensus against attending any potential White House celebration. A team member stated, “We focus on the game for now, but if we win the Super Bowl, we wouldn’t go to the White House.”

The Eagles’ decision has received mixed reactions. MAGA supporters have expressed their outrage, with some pledging to withdraw their support for the team. One Twitter user stated, “If the Eagles hate America, then America needs to start hating the Eagles.” Conversely, many on social media applauded the Eagles for standing firm on their principles. A supporter tweeted, “BRAVO to the Philadelphia Eagles for declining Trump’s invitation.”

This marks a repeat of the Eagles’ 2018 Super Bowl LII victory when the team declined to meet Trump, citing disagreements over his comments regarding players taking a knee during the national anthem as a form of protest against racial injustice.

After Sunday’s game, Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni avoided direct questions about a potential visit, stating, “We’ll see as we go. We’re going to enjoy this tonight, we’ll enjoy it tomorrow.” Sirianni emphasized the importance of celebrating the team’s achievement first. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, when asked about Trump’s presence during the Super Bowl, stated, “No ma’am,” veering away from any implications of pressure.

The current climate surrounding professional sports and politics has contributed to the heightened tensions, with some fans accusing leagues and players of being excessively ‘woke’. Eagles’ captain Lane Johnson, who had previously expressed interest in visiting the White House, indicated that the decision would ultimately be determined by a team vote.

Despite the backlash, some players and fans maintain that the team should prioritize their values over political affiliations. As one player noted, “We represent a city and a state that is pushing for equal rights, respect, and values that respect every human being.”

The Eagles are not the only team facing scrutiny over their choices regarding political engagement; several teams across the league have made headlines for their approaches to similar invitations. As the Eagles navigate the aftermath of their Super Bowl victory, the tension between sports and political issues continues to unfold.