On Monday April 28, 2025, the Eagles of Philadelphia visited the White House to celebrate their victory at the Super Bowl Lix. They were organized by President Donald Trump, who welcomed the team after their 40-22 victory against the Chiefs of Kansas City in February. It was the first visit of the Eagles to the White House since their trip in 2018 was canceled due to disagreements on politics and demonstrations during the national anthem.
The Super Bowl took place in New Orleans, where the Eagles dominated the chiefs in a strong and convincing victory. Trump was in the game, making the story as the first office in office to attend a Super Bowl. Although he predicted that the chiefs would win, he praised the Eagles during the white house ceremony and called them a large team. He also complimented the quarter-Arrière Jalen Hurts for his high season, even if Hurts did not attend the visit.
Hurts was not the only player to jump the event. The wide AJ Brown and Devonta Smith receptors, the defensive line players Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, and the veteran Brandon Graham were not there either. According to a white house manager who spoke of the record, these players said they had planning conflicts. However, a few days earlier, when a journalist asked Hurts if he would attend, he gave a long break and moved away without giving an answer.
The team clearly indicated that the visit was optional. The owner of the Eagles, Jeffrey Lurie, said that players could decide for themselves. In 2018, the situation was more tense. That year, Trump canceled the visit after many players said they would jump because of Trump’s comments on demonstrations in the NFL. In response, Trump organized a short event entitled “Celebration of America”, and the Eagles did not leave.
This year, however, things were quieter. One of the biggest stars of the team who attended was the Ballon Saquon Barkley bearer. Barkley joined the Eagles this season and rushed to 2,005 yards, one of the best seasons of all time by a ball carrier. He was appointed attacking player of the year. The weekend before visiting the White House, Barkley met Trump at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. He then flew to Washington with the president on Air Force One and then rolled Marine One in the White House.
Barkley faced online backlash to spend time with Trump. He replied by saying that he respects the president’s office, no matter who is in charge. He stressed that he was also a golf course with former president Barack Obama. Barkley posted on X, formerly Twitter, telling people to stop sending political comments and wishing everyone a good day.
In Washington, the Eagles also visited the National Cemetery of Arlington. There, they put a crown on the tomb of the unknown soldier. The owner Jeffrey Lurie, the executive vice-president Howie Roseman, the assistant coach Jemal Singleton and the offensive line Tyler Steen helped the ceremony. This part of the trip was very significant for many of them.
Lurie’s father served in the American army during the Second World War and was stationed in France. Singleton was born on a military base in Türkiye, where his father served in the air force. Later, he attended Air Force Academy, became a team captain and helped the team lead to consecutive seasons of 10 victories.
Steen’s grandfather, SGT. Rodney M. Davis died in the Vietnam War after jumping on a grenade to save the others. He received the medal of honor. Steen’s father is a retired sailor. Steen said that the story of his grandfather had helped shape his life and his values.
During the visit to the White House, Trump praised the Eagles season, including their 14-3 record in the regular season. He said that the team had played with heart and competence. Even if all the players have not participated, Trump has always mentioned his contributions to the success of the team.
