In the latest chapter of the ongoing intersection between politics and professional sports, the Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly declined an invitation to visit the White House after their dominant Super Bowl victory.
The Eagles, who triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, have once again made headlines for their stance on political issues, refusing to participate in a tradition that dates back to the Jimmy Carter administration.
According to reports from The U.S. Sun, the decision was a unanimous one by the players and front office. "We represent a city and a state that is pushing for equal rights, respect, and values that respect every human being," one unnamed player was quoted as saying, further adding, "We won’t forget what happened and the criticism we received for taking a stand against racism, and we won’t back down from our values of respect, integrity, and equality."
This move by the Eagles follows a contentious history with President Trump. In 2018, after the Eagles won the Super Bowl, Trump rescinded the team's invitation to the White House following player protests against racial injustice, including kneeling during the national anthem.
Trump’s statement then read, "They disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem," despite no Eagles players kneeling in 2017.
The Eagles' refusal to visit the White House has stirred strong reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Many supporters of Trump and conservative figures expressed their displeasure on social media, with one user on X stating, "Eagles won't visit The White House? Oh cool. Pull all their funding. Every dime. If the NFL hates America then America needs to start hating the NFL."
Eagles won’t visit The White House? Oh cool. Pull all their funding. Every dime. If the NFL hates America then America needs to start hating the NFL pic.twitter.com/eueWXM2DOT
— Sports and Nonsense (@Samantha_SN1) February 24, 2025
Apparently the @Eagles declined another White House invitation..
— Dakoda Rucker (@dakoda_rucker) February 24, 2025
Absolutely DISGUSTING, politicized move by an organization that should be APOLITICAL.
You should have respect for the President even if you don't like him. Horrible ownership.
On the other hand, some applauded the Eagles' decision, with one user adding, "BRAVO to the Philadelphia Eagles for declining Trump's invitation to the White House. The eagle is a widespread symbol of STRENGTH, POWER, FREEDOM, & WISDOM."
Journalist Megyn Kelly also chimed in with frustration, saying, "GO F YOURSELVES EAGLES. My husband is a fan so I got onboard but F this BS." Meanwhile, others praised the team’s stance for standing by their values and rejecting political pressures.
SAME. GO F YOURSELVES EAGLES. My husband is a fan so I got onboard but F this BS https://t.co/KemoC67QEu
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) February 24, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles trying to make a political statement again. No one cares if your team doesn’t visit the Whitehouse. Trump is still your President. Babies.
— Marie Modica (@marie_lewi2747) February 24, 2025
The decision to decline the visit is in stark contrast to the behavior of other teams, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, whose players expressed honor at Trump’s attendance at the Super Bowl. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, when asked about Trump's presence at the game, responded, "No ma'am," making it clear that the president's attendance did not influence his approach to the game.
As the Eagles continue to make headlines, it remains to be seen how this decision will affect their relationship with their fanbase and the broader sports community. The refusal to engage in political symbolism is indicative of the growing tension between sports figures, politics, and public perceptions.
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