Report: Eagles reject White House visit following Super Bowl victory

The Philadelphia Eagles soared to victory in Super Bowl LIX, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 and preventing a historic three-peat in the process.

Their second championship in seven years was celebrated with a massive parade in Philadelphia on February 14, where quarterback Jalen Hurts voiced pride.

“It’s an honor to truly lead this city,” Hurts told Fox 29. “To play the role that I play. I know a lot of people do a lot to watch us come play on Sundays, and we leave it all out there on the field. It’s just a moment to celebrate.”

Traditionally, Super Bowl champions receive an invitation to visit the White House, but even before the game in New Orleans, speculation swirled about whether the Eagles would attend.

Team owner Jeffrey Lurie was asked about the possibility of meeting President Donald Trump if they won. “I just want to win Sunday,” Lurie stated.

According to a February 23 report from The U.S. Sun, the Eagles have decided to forgo the White House visit this year.

“A source at the Eagles, who spoke anonymously, stressed that conversations about refusing a visit with President Donald Trump after beating the Kansas City Chiefs have already occurred,” the outlet reported.

“A well-placed insider told The U.S. Sun that recent discussions between the players and the Eagles front office resulted in a ‘massive no’ when asked if they would accept an invitation to the nation’s capital. 

‘We focus on the game for now, but if we win the Super Bowl, we wouldn’t go to the White House,'” a member of the ownership group said a few weeks ago.

“A current player echoed those sentiments, claiming that ‘pretty much everyone’ decided they would refuse to meet the President.”

An Eagles star told the outlet, “We represent a city and a state that is pushing for equal rights, respect, and values that respect every human being. We won’t forget what happened and the criticism we received for taking a stand against racism, and we won’t back down from our values of respect, integrity, and equality.”

This mirrors their choice in 2018 when the Eagles also declined the invitation after winning the Super Bowl during Trump’s first term.

“A large group of Eagles players had decided not to attend, including most — if not all — of the black players. … In fact, five or fewer Eagles players committed to attend the White House ceremony.” — Adam Schefter in 2018.

This news isn’t shocking, considering Jalen Hurts seemed less than enthused to answer questions about Trump during media week.

My educated guess: the Eagles probably weren’t offered a visit anyway.

The Philadelphia Eagles Football Team was invited to the White House. Unfortunately, only a small number of players decided to come, and we canceled the event. Staying in the Locker Room for the playing of our National Anthem is as disrespectful to our country as kneeling. Sorry!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2018

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images