The Philadelphia Eagles recently clinched victory in Super Bowl LIX, prompting speculation about their potential visit to Donald Trump’s White House. This discussion was ignited by a report from two weeks ago suggesting that the Eagles might decline the visit, gaining traction and resulting in varied reactions. Many criticized the supposed decision, while others applauded it, though most failed to verify the facts.
Despite the rampant spread of misinformation fueled by unfounded headlines and social media chatter, it’s important to clarify that the Eagles have not made any decisions regarding a visit to Trump. In fact, they haven’t even received an invitation yet. Just three days prior to their Super Bowl win, The U.S. Sun reported that the team had already opted against visiting the White House, citing a quote from owner Jeffrey Lurie: “I just want to win on Sunday.” The report alleged that a member of the Eagles’ ownership claimed they “wouldn’t go to the White House,” and an unnamed player supposedly echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the team had more pressing concerns at that time.
After remaining largely unnoticed for over two weeks, this story gained viral momentum when Eagles Nation quoted The U.S. Sun in a social media post that garnered over 11 million views, attracting significant backlash from conservative commentators, including Megyn Kelly, who rushed to judgment.
On Monday, CNN’s Jake Tapper, a dedicated Eagles fan, clarified that reports claiming the Eagles had declined Trump’s invitation were false. Front Office Sports also confirmed that no invitation has been extended, meaning no decision has been made regarding a celebration of their Super Bowl victory with Trump.
Traditionally, championship teams visit the White House. However, during Trump’s presidency, only about half of the championship-winning teams made the trip, with others opting for a boycott. The Eagles, who won Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots in 2018, were among those who did not attend the White House ceremony. It remains to be seen whether this current Eagles team will follow suit. Regardless of personal opinions on whether the Eagles should attend the White House or boycott Trump, it’s essential to allow the team the opportunity to make their own decision.
