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The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their victory as the 2025 Super Bowl LIX Champions, may break from decades of tradition again by skipping this year’s White House visit, according to sources. The practice of championship teams visiting the White House dates back to Super Bowl III when the New York Jets became the first NFL team to be honored.
Trump Canceled Philadelphia Eagles White House Visit in 2018
In 2018, after winning Super Bowl LII, the Philadelphia Eagles received an invite to visit the White House. However, President Donald Trump canceled the visit, citing reports that some Eagles players refused to stand for the National Anthem.
For context, Trump demanded NFL teams fire players who refused to stand during the National Anthem, calling them “sons of b” during a rally. His remarks intensified divisions between the White House and many Black athletes during his first term.
“The Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team to be celebrated tomorrow. They disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country,” a statement from President Donald Trump read.
Trump’s History with Black Athletes Sparks Backlash and Boycotts of White House Visits
Throughout his presidency, Trump repeatedly insulted or belittled Black athletes who criticized him, including LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
These attacks only reinforced the perception that Trump was hostile toward outspoken Black figures in sports, further fueling tensions between the White House and professional athletes.
Many Black NFL players continue to stand firmly with Colin Kaepernick, whom the league effectively blackballed after he knelt during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racial injustice. For many, visiting Donald Trump’s White House would betray the movement for racial equality and justice.
Notably, approximately 53.5% of NFL players are Black or African American. Moreover, his reluctance to denounce white supremacist groups and handling of events like Charlottesville’s Unite the Right rally further alienated Black athletes.
Patriots’ White House Visit Marked by Player Boycotts Over Political Differences
In 2017, the New England Patriots visited the White House. However, several players, including Devin McCourty, Martellus Bennett, and Chris Long, chose not to attend due to political differences with President Donald Trump. Notably, quarterback Tom Brady also missed the visit, citing personal family matters.
Trump Becomes First Sitting President to Attend Super Bowl Booed at Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs Game
This year’s Super Bowl also made history for another reason—Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend the game, witnessing the Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. His presence at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, however, was not without controversy.
As Trump made his way onto the field, a wave of boos echoed from the majority of the crowd, highlighting the polarizing nature of his presidency and presence. The reaction underscored the broader political tensions that have often intersected with sports in recent years.
The Philadelphia Eagles still have not released a press statement notifying if they will or will not attend this year’s White House invitation.