The Philadelphia Eagles to White House tradition is back on after their recent Super Bowl victory. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will invite the Eagles to celebrate their big win, despite past tensions between the team and the White House.
“Absolutely, they’ll be extended an invitation,” Trump said from the Oval Office on Tuesday. “They deserve to be down here, and we hope to see them.”
This marks a significant shift, as the Eagles previously skipped their White House visit after winning the Super Bowl in 2018. However, reports suggest the team is planning to attend this year.
Philadelphia Eagles to White House: A History of Controversy
The Eagles clinched their second Super Bowl title earlier this month, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. Yet, their invitation to the White House has sparked debate, much like in 2018 when they declined to attend.
Back then, Trump canceled the event after claiming the team did not agree with his stance on standing for the national anthem. Instead, he held a “celebration of the American flag” with Eagles fans.
This year, rumors circulated that the Eagles might once again turn down the invite. A resurfaced report from The US Sun added fuel to the fire, igniting a social media storm.
Politics and Sports: The Changing Tradition
Sports teams visiting the White House dates back to 1865, when President Andrew Johnson hosted the Brooklyn Atlantics and Washington Nationals baseball clubs. In modern times, however, the tradition has become increasingly political.
During Trump’s first term, only one of the four Super Bowl-winning teams accepted his invitation—the New England Patriots in 2017. Similarly, in the NBA, Trump uninvited the Golden State Warriors in 2017 after star player Stephen Curry said he didn’t want to attend. The team was also left off the invite list in 2018.
Louis Moore, a history professor at Grand Valley State University, explains how these visits are no longer just ceremonial.
“For some guys, going to the White House is a lifelong dream,” he said. “But in basketball, football, and women’s soccer, it’s definitely political.”
Philadelphia Eagles to White House: Will They Attend This Time?
With Trump back in office, this White House visit holds extra weight. If the Eagles accept the invite, it would be a major shift from their 2018 stance. If they decline, it could reignite political debates over athletes and their role in national discussions.
Other athletes have also skipped White House visits in the past. In 1984, NBA legend Larry Bird refused to meet President Ronald Reagan, saying, “If the president wants to see me, he knows where to find me.” In 2013, Baltimore Ravens player Matt Birk turned down President Barack Obama’s invite over his stance on abortion.
At the end of the day, these visits are about more than just sports—they’re about politics, culture, and personal beliefs. Whether the Eagles show up or not, their decision will make headlines.
What do you think? Should championship teams continue this tradition, or is it time for a change?
