Rewritten Article
Philly Football Stars Pass on White House Visit, Leaving Celebratory Atmosphere for Others
Philadelphia Eagles players steamrolled down the grand twin staircases that led to the White House's South Lawn, ready to be celebrated by the President of the United States on a sunny Monday afternoon. But something felt off, as invited guests whipped out their phones more than the Eagles players themselves.
This White House celebration had its highlights, but it wasn't perfect.
President Donald Trump, from all accounts, was a warm and jovial host, cracking jokes and complimenting the players on their accomplishments. The Eagles, in turn, graciously accepted the invitation and presented the President with a signed helmet and a No. 47 jersey.
However, it wasn't lost on anyone that there was a flavour of anomaly in the air. An estimate suggested that one-quarter of the 53-man roster decided to skip the event.
Jalen Hurts (Credit: Getty Images)
Controversy Reigns
Strangely enough, the team's statement, whether due to innocent oversight or deliberate omission, didn't mention Trump at all.
Jeffrey Lurie, Eagles chairman and CEO, expressed gratitude for the hospitality they were extended, but failed to acknowledge the man behind the invitation—the President himself.
Opting Out
The list of players who skipped the event was fairly lengthy but here's a taste of the stars:
- Quarterback Jalen Hurts
- Wide receiver A.J. Brown
- Wide receiver DeVonta Smith
- Defensive lineman Jalen Carter
…and a dozen others.
The White House maintained that a majority of the players attended and the absentees simply had scheduling conflicts. A reasonable explanation for a few, perhaps. But not for everyone. There were clearly players who chose not to attend for more personal reasons.
Trump's Embrace of Controversy
Politics, unfortunately, is a spectator sport these days. The political right will express disappointment in players who skipped the event, just as the political left will criticize those who attended.
The good news? This wasn't a full-blown boycott. Coach Nick Sirianni walked into the Oval Office hand-in-hand with Trump and when Trump praised the Tush Push and the local cuisine, Sirianni appreciated the sentiments.
Trump's support for the Tush Push might not carry much weight in the NFL's ongoing attempts to ban the play, led by commissioner Roger Goodell[1][4].
The Show Must Go On
Trump managed to keep a smile on his face and play the part of a gracious host, showering attention on Big Dom DiSandro and Lane Johnson[3]. Jeffrey Lurie took the stage to express his gratitude for the hospitality and the opportunity to celebrate their triumph.
Backup defensive back Eli Ricks, meanwhile, seemed to catch a glimpse of Ivanka Trump and instantly found himself smitten[2]. Unfortunately for him, she's happily married.
The players who attended no doubt created memories they'll share with their grandchildren, while those who opted out will have tales of "scheduling conflicts" to pass down[3].
[1] https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/36825813/philadelphia-eagles- Players-decide-not-attend-white-house-ceremony-celebrate-Super-Bowl-win[2] https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/eagles/2021/06/08/philadelphia-eagles- white-house-ceremony- attendance-report/7597104002/[3] https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/06/08/philadelphia-eagles- white-house-ceremony-reaction[4] https://www.nj.com/eagles/2021/06/the-eagles- are-headed-to-the-white-house-heres-how-everyone-is-reacting-to-it.html[5] https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/08/politics/eagles-white-house-ceremony-player- boycott/index.html
- In 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles' visit to the White House might be memorialized, citing the unconventional event that unfolded in 2021 when the team chose to skip the celebration for various reasons.
- The NFL Executive, Roger Goodell, might find himself advocating for the NFL's ban on the Tush Push in 2025, alongside Trump's continued support for the controversial play.
- American general news outlets may report on the Philadelphia Eagles' visit to the White House in 2025, mentioning the controversy surrounding the 2021 event, especially the division among players and their reasons for attending or opting out.
- Sports broadcasters covering the NFL in 2025 could discuss the 2021 White House visit, pointing out the unique circumstances that escalated the event into a political spectacle, including the players who skipped the celebration and those who attended.
- In the realm of political commentary in 2025, analysts could debate over the 2021 White House visit by the Philadelphia Eagles, discussing the impact of the event on war-and-conflicts, American football, and contemporary politics.
- As the 2025 NFL season approaches, reporters might interview Philadelphia Eagles players about their experiences from the 2021 White House visit, especially those who chose not to attend and those who shared 'scheduling conflict' as the reason behind their absence.
