The Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl Victory and the White House Visit Debate
The Philadelphia Eagles made history by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX, marking their second Super Bowl win in franchise history and their second victory in seven seasons. Following their triumph, speculation swirled about whether the team would accept an invitation to visit the White House, a tradition for championship-winning teams. League sources indicated that the Eagles would attend if invited, though neither the team nor the White House has confirmed this. This nullable has drawn attention due to the controversy surrounding the Eagles’ last Super Bowl win in 2018, when their planned White House visit was canceled by then-President Donald Trump over a national anthem dispute.
The Eagles’ victory over the Chiefs prevented Kansas City from becoming the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. The team’s success has been celebrated by fans across Philadelphia, with a grand parade held in their honor. Owner Jeffrey Lurie was seen celebrating with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, a moment of pride for the franchise. However, the question of whether the Eagles will visit the White House has overshadowed some of the celebration, reigniting memories of the 2018 controversy.
The 2018 White House Visit Controversy
In 2018, after the Eagles won Super Bowl LII, President Trump canceled their White House visit, citing disagreements over player protests during the national anthem. At the time, some players, including safety Malcolm Jenkins and defensive end Chris Long, had expressed their intentions not to attend the ceremony due to political reasons. Trump claimed that the Eagles had planned to send only a small delegation, which the team denied. The White House alleged that the Eagles informed them on May 31, 2018, that 81 people, including players, coaches, and staff, would attend. However, Trump canceled the event, accusing the team of pulling a "political stunt" by rescheduling the visit.
In response, the Eagles released a statement thanking their fans and focusing on their preparations for the upcoming season, without directly addressing the president or the cancellation. Former players like Torrey Smith and Chris Long also spoke out, denying any wrongdoing and calling the situation "lies." Long had previously stated that his decision not to visit the White House was not about the national anthem but about his personal beliefs and values. Jenkins, a prominent advocate for social justice, had also been a vocal critic of Trump’s policies. The incident highlighted the growing intersection of sports and politics, as players increasingly used their platforms to address social issues.
A Broader Trend: Championship Teams Skipping White House Visits
The 2018 Eagles were not the only team to skip a White House visit during Trump’s presidency. Several other championship teams, both professional and collegiate, declined invitations or were not invited at all. For example, the 2017-18 Villanova Wildcats men’s basketball team, winners of the NCAA championship, were not invited to the White House by Trump, according to their then-head coach, Jay Wright. Similarly, the NBA’s Golden State Warriors were disinvited in 2017 after star player Stephen Curry expressed reluctance to attend.
The New England Patriots, who won Super Bowl LI in 2017, saw several players, including Tom Brady and Devin McCourty, skip the White House visit. Other teams, such as the 2017 Minnesota Lynx and the 2018 Seattle Storm, both WNBA champions, were not invited during Trump’s term. This trend reflected a shift in the tradition of championship teams visiting the White House, which had become increasingly politicized. While some teams and players embraced the opportunity to meet the president, others saw it as an opportunity to make a political statement by declining.
The History of Championship Teams Visiting the White House
The tradition of championship teams visiting the White House dates back to the 19th century. President Andrew Johnson invited amateur baseball teams in 1865, and President Ulysses S. Grant hosted the first professional sports team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, in 1869. However, the modern tradition of inviting Super Bowl winners began in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers after their Super Bowl XIV victory. Carter, a Steelers fan, incorporated local flavor by holding a Pirates hat and waving a "terrible towel," a symbol of Steelers fandom.
Since then, the tradition has evolved, with presidents often using the visits as opportunities to celebrate athletic achievement and promote unity. The first NBA team to visit the White House was the Boston Celtics in 1963, hosted by President John F. Kennedy. The New York Islanders became the first NHL team to visit after their 1983 Stanley Cup win, hosted by President Ronald Reagan. These visits have historically been apolitical, but in recent years, they have become more divisive, with some players and teams choosing to skip the event for political reasons.
Conclusion: The Eagles, the White House, and the Future of Sports Tradition
The Philadelphia Eagles’ potential White House visit has once again brought attention to the intersection of sports, politics, and culture. While the team has not yet confirmed whether they will attend, the debate over the visit serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of this tradition. The 2018 controversy and the broader trend of teams skipping visits highlight how athletes and organizations are increasingly using their platforms to make statements about social justice and political issues.
As the Eagles celebrate their Super Bowl victory, fans and observers will be watching to see how the team navigates this tradition. Whatever decision they make, it will likely reflect the values of the organization and its players, continuing a legacy of championship success and social advocacy. The Eagles’ story is not just about football—it’s about the intersection of sports and society in America.
The tradition of championship teams visiting the White House may continue to evolve, but for now, it remains a significant part of American sports culture, with the potential to inspire, unify, and sometimes divide. As the Eagles look to the future, their decision will carry weight not only for their fans but also for the broader conversation about sports and politics in the United States.
