Jalen Hurts skips White House celebration with Eagles

On April 28, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles were scheduled to visit the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The invitation, extended by President Donald Trump, was a notable event following the Eagles' previous controversy in 2018 when many players chose not to attend due to Trump's remarks regarding player protests during the national anthem. This time, the team enthusiastically accepted the invitation from the White House, as acknowledged by a White House official and Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie. Coach Nick Sirianni expressed excitement about the visit, viewing it as a cherished tradition for championship teams. However, contrasting the team's collective enthusiasm, quarterback Jalen Hurts made headlines when he dodged questions about attending the event, displaying an apparent lack of excitement about the visit. His ambiguous and subdued responses raised questions over his willingness to participate in the ceremony. Just hours before the event, it was confirmed that Hurts, along with several teammates, chose to forgo the visit, citing scheduling conflicts as the reason for their absence. The decision to skip the celebration has underscored the ongoing tension between some players and President Trump, reminiscent of the earlier situation that prevented the Eagles from visiting in 2018. This time, while the team collectively decided to accept the invitation, individual players remained free to choose whether to attend. With Hurts making the headlines again for his reticence regarding Trump's presence, this absence highlights the complexities of sports figures' relationships with political figures. The implications of such decisions are significant, as they reflect broader discussions about athletes' roles in political issues, especially given the current socio-political climate. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley took a contrasting approach; he was seen spending time with Trump over the weekend at a golf course and even traveled to Washington on Air Force One. Barkley defended his actions on social media, asserting the importance of respecting the office of the presidency, regardless of personal feelings about the individual holding it. This contrast between Barkley and Hurts illustrates the varied responses athletes may have to political figures and events, further complicating the narrative surrounding the Eagles and their engagement with the political landscape surrounding their sport.