When the Philadelphia Eagles clinched victory in Super Bowl 52, triumphing over the New England Patriots, their celebration was overshadowed by controversy. Some players publicly declared their intention to skip the traditional White House visit, citing their opposition to President Donald Trump. This decision came after Trump had criticized NFL players for their protests during the national anthem against racial injustice. Consequently, a rift emerged within the team, with some players opting out of the White House visit.
In response to the dissension, President Trump rescinded the Eagles’ invitation, remarking that the fans deserved a complete team presence at the event. Fast forward seven years, Trump is once again in the White House, and the Eagles have secured another Super Bowl victory. The looming question now is whether history will repeat itself, with tensions resurfacing and invitations declined.
When questioned about a potential White House visit prior to Super Bowl LIX, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie remained tight-lipped, stating, “I just want to win on Sunday.” The team emerged victorious, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22, setting the stage for a potential invitation from President Trump.
With four players from the 2017 Eagles squad still on the team, discussions are underway regarding a White House visit. Veteran offensive lineman Lane Johnson, a team captain, expressed his readiness to attend, regardless of the sitting president. However, he emphasized that the final decision would be a collective one, focused on the team’s best interests.
Defensive end Josh Sweat, a standout in Super Bowl 59, echoed Lurie’s sentiment, asserting his excitement for the championship parade and downplaying the White House visit. The anticipation of a possible invitation is met with caution, given the lingering tensions from the previous snub.
President Trump’s stance on the matter remains uncertain, with potential repercussions from the past influencing his decision. The contentious relationship between the Eagles and the president dates back to 2018 and extends to the city of Philadelphia, as highlighted in Trump’s previous remarks casting aspersions on the city. Despite these underlying tensions, the Eagles face a pivotal decision on whether to accept a White House invitation, navigating a delicate balance between tradition, politics, and team unity.
