Winning the Super Bowl is a big moment. Players celebrate with cheers, champagne, and parades. But there is another tradition—visiting the White House. This custom has changed in recent years. Now, with Donald Trump back in office, the Philadelphia Eagles face a big choice.
A Longstanding Tradition
For years, Super Bowl winners visited the White House. From 2001 to 2016, nearly every champion team made the trip. Players met the president and took pictures. It was part of the victory celebration.
Things changed after Trump became president. Between 2017 and 2021, only one Super Bowl-winning team visited. The reason? Trump’s public criticism of players who kneeled during the national anthem. Many teams skipped the visit to avoid controversy.
Eagles and Trump: A Complicated History
The Eagles were once invited to visit Trump’s White House. But in 2018, Trump canceled the event. He claimed that most players refused to attend. Reports suggested that fewer than ten players planned to go. Instead of honoring the team, the White House held a brief ceremony celebrating the country.
Now, the Eagles have won another Super Bowl. The question is: will they visit the White House this time?
Players and Owners Are Divided
Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson shared his thoughts. “I’d be honored to go, regardless of who the president is,” he said. “But we’ll see. It’s ultimately a team decision. I’ll do what’s best for the team.”
The team has not received an official invitation yet. When asked about a potential visit, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie avoided giving a direct answer. These decisions usually take weeks or even months. But Trump attended the Super Bowl in person, watching the Eagles beat the Chiefs. That makes this decision even more important.
White House Visits Have Become Political
A visit to the White House was once simple. Players went out of respect for the office, no matter who the president was. But politics have changed that.
Some players now see the visit as a political statement. Sports historian Frank Guridy explains, “In the past, players went even if they disagreed with the president. But today’s politics are so divided. Any action is seen as support or opposition.”
This shift started years ago. In 2013, Matt Birk skipped the White House visit. He disagreed with President Barack Obama’s stance on Planned Parenthood. But these days, entire teams skip the trip.
Sports as a Political Tool
Sports and politics have always mixed. But Trump has used sports in new ways. “Most presidents use sports to bring people together,” says political scientist Tom Knecht. “Trump, on the other hand, uses sports to gain political advantage.”
During his presidency, Trump attacked NFL players who kneeled in protest of racial injustice. He also favored certain sports over others. For example, NBA teams often did not get invitations to the White House. Some female championship teams were also left out.
Recently, Trump signed an order banning transgender athletes from women’s sports. His supporters praised this move, but it added to the political divide.
What’s Next for the Eagles?
If invited, will the Eagles accept? The team must weigh many factors. Some players may want to go. Others may feel uncomfortable.
“It’s a tough choice,” Knecht explains. “Visiting the White House is a rare honor. But personal values also matter.”
Only one championship team has visited since Trump returned to office. The NHL’s Florida Panthers met with him. They gave him a “Trump 45-47” jersey. Trump praised the team’s owner, Vinnie Viola, who once served in his administration.
The Eagles have to decide if they will follow tradition or break from it. Either way, the choice will draw attention.
The Future of White House Visits
Will championship teams keep visiting the White House? Knecht believes it depends on the political climate. “For now, it’s uncertain,” he says.
Guridy has a different view. He thinks politics will stay divided. “Trump’s return is part of a larger shift. The days of automatic White House visits may be over.”
The Eagles’ decision will set an example for future teams. Their choice could change how sports and politics mix for years to come.
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