The Philadelphia Eagles finally got their long-awaited White House visit after their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the event was marked by the noticeable absence of some of the team’s biggest stars, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and defensive standout Nolan Smith. According to reports from Eagles beat writers, only about 30 players made the trip to Washington, D.C., a strikingly small group given the historic nature of the visit.
Despite the roster’s split attendance, the Eagles still had a strong presence with key figures like Saquon Barkley, Lane Johnson, and head coach Nick Sirianni attending the ceremony. The players and staff who were present shared the spotlight with President Donald Trump, honoring the team’s championship season in an event that sparked mixed emotions among fans and commentators alike.
Jeffrey Lurie keeps it classy
Team owner Jeffrey Lurie, who has been openly critical of Trump in the past, chose to focus on the bigger picture during the visit. In a carefully worded statement, Lurie emphasized unity and gratitude rather than controversy.
“Today, the Eagles were honored to participate in the long-standing tradition of visiting the White House to celebrate our victory in Super Bowl LIX,” Lurie said. “We are grateful for the hospitality we were extended and appreciate the opportunity to celebrate this special team alongside the hundreds of fans that joined us on the South Lawn. Our time in our Nation’s Capital served as a great reminder of the core values that have brought our team so close together – sacrifice, selflessness, and discipline.”
Lurie’s message reinforced that, regardless of political differences, the focus remains on celebrating team achievements and the values that led them to a championship season.
Looking ahead to the next challenge
While the absence of Jalen Hurts and other key players inevitably drew attention, the Eagles organization appears determined to move past any lingering drama. With the 2025 NFL season approaching fast, the team’s focus is clearly set on defending their title and making another run for the Lombardi Trophy.
At the end of the day, the White House visit was a moment of celebration for those who attended, and a reminder that, on and off the field, unity remains an ongoing challenge for every championship team.
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