The Philadelphia Eagles are heading to the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl triumph, putting an end to speculation about whether they would accept President Donald Trump’s invitation.
Following their dominant victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, rumors swirled that the Eagles might decline the visit, given their history with the Trump administration. Back in 2017, after winning their last Super Bowl, the team opted out of a White House celebration during Trump’s first term, a decision that aligned with the political tensions of the time—especially surrounding the National Anthem protests.
Despite past differences, it appears the Eagles have set any concerns aside. Reports initially suggested the team was hesitant to make the trip, possibly due to Trump’s perceived favoritism toward Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes before the game. However, the former and current President later praised the Eagles’ performance on “The Mac Levin Show,” stating:
“The Eagles were really, it was like flawless football, amazing. Even the first play, they called it back. It was a long pass, it was, you know, either a touchdown or going to be a touchdown. They called it back, completed long pass, and they went on to get touchdown after touchdown. They really played great.”
This public acknowledgment may have played a role in bridging any perceived divide. Ultimately, ESPN’s Adam Schefter clarified in late February that there was no refusal from the Eagles—just a lack of an official invitation at the time.
That changed recently, as NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark confirmed that an Eagles spokesperson stated the team had officially accepted the White House invite and was working out scheduling details.
The visit will mark the continuation of the Eagles’ championship celebrations, allowing them to be honored at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This also makes them the second championship-winning team to visit the White House during Trump’s second term, following the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup-winning visit in February.
With the invitation secured, the Eagles will soon step into a long-standing sports tradition, this time under far different circumstances than in 2017. Given Trump’s direct approach, it wouldn’t be surprising if their previous absence from the White House came up in conversation. Regardless, this moment will serve as a celebration of their dominant performance on football’s biggest stage.
