On April 28, 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles made a memorable visit to the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, which took place on February 9. President Donald Trump warmly acknowledged several Eagles players, including Saquon Barkley, the offensive line, head of security Dom DiSandro, and defensive backs Reed Blankenship and Cooper DeJean. However, he seemed to only mention one notable absence: quarterback Jalen Hurts, and even that was a fleeting reference. This occasion marked a significant moment for the team, with about two dozen players attending the event, which is less than half of their 53-man roster. Also present were several coaches, including head coach Nick Sirianni, general manager Howie Roseman, and Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie.
Hurts did not attend the ceremony, which he hinted at during a recent Time gala when he sidestepped a question about his attendance. Additionally, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, along with other defensive line and linebacker members, opted to stay away from the event. This absence has led to speculation about whether it was a political statement, particularly among the Black players. Conversely, those who chose to attend, including Barkley, were also scrutinized, raising questions about whether their presence represented political support.
During the visit, Coach Sirianni and right tackle Lane Johnson presented President Trump with a number 47 midnight green jersey and a helmet signed by various team members. Notably, the word "M.A.G.A" was inscribed in silver marker between signatures from Johnson and fellow player Landon Dickerson. Trump took the opportunity to highlight his admiration for Barkley, discussing their recent round of golf and how the player accepted a ride on Air Force One.
Trump expressed his affection for Barkley, calling him a "great young guy" and an "incredible football player." He also reminisced about Barkley's famous backward hurdle, dubbing it "football magic," and commented on the Giants' decision to let Barkley leave in free agency in March 2024, saying, "They lost Saquon. I called that one." This remark underscored Trump’s playful jab at the Giants while praising the current team dynamics.
When it came to Jalen Hurts, who was named MVP of the Super Bowl, Trump had only a brief mention, describing him as a "terrific guy and a terrific player." This lack of emphasis on Hurts raised eyebrows, especially given his pivotal role in the Eagles' success. Trump also praised the size of the Eagles' offensive line and invited DiSandro to share a few words, to which he responded, "Thank you, President Trump, go Birds." Both Blankenship and DeJean received accolades for their significant contributions during the season, including Blankenship's standout performance against the Washington Commanders and DeJean's impressive Pick-6 in the Super Bowl.
In an unexpected twist, Trump even lobbied for the Eagles' famed Tush Push play, which may face potential banning when NFL owners meet in mid-May. "I hope they keep that play, Coach," Trump said to Sirianni, who expressed gratitude for the endorsement. After approximately 15 minutes of remarks, the Eagles players and coaches received a tour of the Oval Office, which Trump described as "incredible real estate."
Whether viewed as a political spectacle or a ceremonial celebration, the Eagles' visit to the White House allowed them to bask in the glory of their Super Bowl win. This event was particularly meaningful given that the White House had previously canceled a planned visit in June 2018, primarily due to limited player attendance following Trump's comments on national anthem protests. Reflecting on the Eagles' performance, Trump stated, "They looked unbeatable," praising the team as "modern-day warriors" who inspired fans with their spirit and teamwork.
As Lane Johnson succinctly put it during his remarks, "What a wonderful season it was, and we’re not done. We’re ready for another." This encapsulates the Eagles' determination as they look forward to future challenges, cementing their status as a formidable team in the NFL.
