Picture this: an underdog football team from Philly, hoisting the Lombardi Trophy twice in seven years, their journey as gritty as a cheesesteak smothered in Whiz. But like any good sports saga, the Philadelphia Eagles’ story isn’t just about touchdowns. It’s about politics, pride, and a presidential invite that’s become as unpredictable as a fourth-quarter fumble. Enter Donald Trump, a figure who’s tackled everything from trade wars to Twitter feuds—and now, round two with the Eagles.
On February 25, Trump announced plans to invite the Eagles to the White House after their Super Bowl LIX win. “They deserve to be down here, and we hope to see them.” he said, flashing his trademark confidence. The gesture comes seven years after a canceled 2018 visit. Why?
The 2018 Snub: A Touchdown Turned Political Fumble
Trump scrapped the event amid anthem protest tensions. This time, the stakes feel higher. Will the Eagles RSVP—or replay history?
Back in 2018, only a handful of Eagles players planned to attend. Trump nixed the visit, opting instead for a “Celebration of the American flag” with fans. Fast-forward to 2025: rumors swirled that the team would decline again. The U.S. Sun cited anonymous sources claiming the Eagles “wouldn’t go.” But what did they say exactly?
“We focus on the game for now, but if we win the Super Bowl, we wouldn’t go to the White House,” the source apparently claimed. But NFL insiders and other news outlets quickly countered.
President Trump says he will officially be inviting the #Eagles to the White House today. “I thought it was a great performance.. They will absolutely be invited. They deserve to be down here, and we hope to see them.” pic.twitter.com/2k8OlPFV32
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) February 25, 2025
“We’d be honored to visit the White House,” an Eagles source told CNN. Besides, Trump’s latest invite feels like a Hail Mary pass across party lines.
“They’ll be extended that invitation. We’ll do it right away, we’re gonna do it sometime today, and they deserve to be down here. We hope to see them,” he declared, though no formal invitation had been sent by week’s end. Meanwhile, Eagles fans debated online—some craving a bipartisan photo op, others recalling 2018’s snub.
The drama’s juicier than a slow-cooked pork sandwich at a tailgate. But why does this matter?
Because in America, sports and politics collide harder than linebackers. The Eagles’ decision isn’t just about a trophy tour—it’s a litmus test for unity in a divided era. However, Presidential invites for champions are as American as apple pie—until they’re not…
A Tradition Tested: Eagles, Politics, and the Presidential Invite
Under Trump, only the 2017 Patriots visited. NBA’s Golden State Warriors were uninvited in 2017 after Steph Curry’s hesitation. Even Larry Bird snubbed Reagan in 1984, quipping, “If the president wants to see me, he knows where to find me.” Besides, these visits have a political undercurrent, whether you go or not.
Trump’s 2018 fast-food feast for Clemson’s football team—a pile of burgers during a government shutdown—showed his flair for spectacle. Now, the Eagles’ White House shenanigans echo beyond sports. And despite the noise, Philly seems ready to pivot.
“It’s one of the things we had looked forward to doing and we look forward to receiving the invitation,” their source reiterated. Trump’s olive branch, paired with the team’s openness, hints at détente—or at least a photo op. But the plot thickens…
On February 27, Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker—a Trump ally—visited the Oval Office before the Philadelphia Eagles. Ironic? Sure. Fitting? Absolutely. In politics, as in football, timing is everything. And the Philadelphia Eagles’ White House saga blends legacy, loyalty, and the weight of a jersey.
From 2018’s canceled ceremony to 2025’s cautious optimism, it’s a tale of second chances—and America’s culture wars. Whether they pose with Trump or pass, one thing’s clear: In Philly, grit isn’t just for the gridiron.
As Hemingway wrote, “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.” For the Philadelphia Eagles, strength means navigating pride, politics, and the pursuit of a united front. Touchdown or fumble? History will decide.
Main Photo: William Bretzger-Del – Imagn Images
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