Star quarterback Jalen Hurts shocked fans by skipping the Philadelphia Eagles’ celebratory White House visit with President Donald Trump, fueling speculation about his motives for the high-profile absence. The Super Bowl champions were honored at the prestigious ceremony yesterday, but their MVP-caliber signal caller was notably missing from the lineup of players who made the traditional trip to meet with the Commander-in-Chief.
Trump Welcomes Eagles Despite Star QB’s Absence
President Trump graciously hosted the Philadelphia Eagles at the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl victory, despite several players including star quarterback Jalen Hurts opting not to attend. During the ceremony, Trump praised the absent quarterback as a “terrific guy and terrific player” while acknowledging the team’s impressive championship run.
This marks a stark contrast to 2018, when Trump canceled a similar celebration after the Eagles’ first Super Bowl win when most players declined to attend. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie confirmed that the White House visit was “totally optional” for players, with no requirements in the Collective Bargaining Agreement mandating attendance.
Barkley Shows Support for Trump
While Hurts was absent, Eagles running back and Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley made headlines by visiting Trump at his golf club and traveling with him to the White House. Barkley later defended his visit on social media, stating he respects the office of the presidency and noting he has also golfed with former President Obama.
Among the #Eagles not at the White House today:
• Jalen Hurts
• AJ Brown
• DeVonta Smith
• Brandon Graham
• Darius Slay
• Nolan Smith
• Jordan Davis
• Jalen Carter
• CJ Gardner-Johnson
• Zack Baun
• Nakobe Dean
• Isaiah Rodgers
• Jalyx Hunt
• Josh Sweat pic.twitter.com/5yr5BNYRF3— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) April 28, 2025
The running back’s strong support for the President comes after his standout season that helped propel the Eagles to their championship victory. His willingness to stand beside Trump demonstrates the respect many athletes still have for the office of the presidency, regardless of the political divisions that have sometimes kept players away from White House ceremonies in recent years.
Political Implications of Hurts’ Decision
Speculation continues about why Hurts chose not to attend, with some suggesting he may want to avoid political associations with his personal brand. Trump, who attended the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, had initially predicted a win for the Kansas City Chiefs and took the opportunity during the White House ceremony to reference how Taylor Swift was booed during the game after endorsing his opponent Kamala Harris.
Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts pic.twitter.com/bBn4RjJK7g
— Symone (@Symone_Stanley) April 28, 2025
“The Eagles have turned out to be an incredible team, an incredible group,” Trump stated during the ceremony, focusing on the team’s achievements rather than those who chose not to attend. Despite Hurts’ absence, the celebration highlighted the administration’s commitment to honoring American athletic excellence, with Trump putting aside the political differences that had previously disrupted the tradition during his first term.
The quarterback’s decision to skip the event reflects the complex relationship between politics and sports that continues to challenge America’s longstanding traditions. While many patriots view these ceremonial White House visits as an honor that transcends politics, others like Hurts appear to be weighing personal considerations against participation in what has become an increasingly politicized ritual in American sports.
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Trump celebrates the Super Bowl champ Eagles at White House, but star QB Jalen Hurts skips ceremony
Jalen Hurts Decides To Skip Eagles’ Super Bowl Celebration At White House: REPORT | The Daily Caller