Seven years after skipping a White House visit, the Philadelphia Eagles returned to Washington on Monday to celebrate their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs—this time with President Donald Trump.
The team posed for photos, presented Trump with a custom “Trump 47” jersey, and soaked in the spotlight on the South Lawn in recognition of their February championship win.
Notably missing from the celebration was Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, who, according to a White House spokesperson, had a “scheduling conflict.” His absence followed a moment of hesitation last week when asked on the red carpet at the 2025 TIME 100 gala if he planned to attend. Hurts sidestepped the question with a vague “Um,” before the interviewer moved on.
Despite his absence, Trump praised Hurts during the event, calling him a “terrific guy and terrific player,” and lauded the Eagles as “an incredible team, an incredible group.”
According to reports, several key Eagles players were also absent from Monday’s White House celebration, including wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, linebacker Zack Baun, defensive ends Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat, and defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
The moment stood in contrast to 2018, when the Eagles declined to visit the White House following their first Super Bowl win. At the time, President Trump responded by disinviting the team altogether and falsely accusing its players of kneeling during the national anthem—an act no Eagles players had taken part in.
While in Washington, the Eagles paid tribute at Arlington National Cemetery, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. “Our time in our nation’s capital served as a great reminder of the core values that have brought our team so close together – sacrifice, selflessness, and discipline,” said team owner Jeffrey Lurie in a statement.
Among those who did attend was running back Saquon Barkley, who had been seen a day earlier golfing with Trump at his Bedminster club after arriving together on Marine One. Barkley later addressed criticism on social media.
“Lol some people are really upset cause I golfed and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT,” he wrote on X. “Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand. Just golfed with Obama not too long ago…and look forward to finishing my round with Trump!
“Now y’all get out my mentions with all this politics and have an amazing day.”
At Monday’s White House celebration, Trump threw his backing behind the Eagles’ famed “Tush Push” — the short-yardage play they’ve mastered, even as NFL owners weigh a possible ban on it later this year.
The controversial “Tush Push” play has sparked debate across the NFL, with a motion recently tabled to ban it. Teams will vote later this year on whether it will remain in the game, but Trump has made it clear where he stands on the matter.
“I hope they keep that play, Coach (Nick Sirianni). I hear they’re talking about getting rid of it. They should keep it,” Trump said on Monday. “I like it. It’s exciting and different.”
Following Trump’s remarks, Eagles head coach Sirianni responded, “Thank you, Mr. President, for having us here. We also appreciate the endorsement for the Tush Push.”
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