Jalen Hurts, the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, has decided not to attend the team’s Super Bowl celebration at the White House. This event, hosted by President Donald Trump, was set for Monday, but Hurts cited scheduling conflicts as the reason for his absence.
The announcement came just hours before the celebration was scheduled to begin. Hurts had previously raised eyebrows when he avoided answering a question about attending the event during a recent gala. His decision not to participate seems to reflect some of his feelings about the president’s involvement in the Super Bowl, where the Eagles triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs with a score of 40-22.
Hurts did not express strong enthusiasm about Trump’s attendance at the Super Bowl, stating, "He’s welcome to do what he wants." This comment indicates a level of detachment from the political side of the event.
In contrast, running back Saquon Barkley was seen spending time with Trump at his golf course in New Jersey just before the White House event. Barkley even flew back to Washington on Air Force One with the president. He faced criticism on social media for his interactions with Trump but defended himself, saying he respects the office of the president and has enjoyed golfing with both Trump and former President Obama.
Meanwhile, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and head coach Nick Sirianni expressed their excitement about the upcoming celebration. The team’s management continues to promote a culture of rewarding outstanding players, as highlighted by General Manager Howie Roseman’s recent comments about extending Barkley’s contract.
As the Eagles prepare for their visit to the White House, the differing reactions from their star players highlight the complex relationship between sports and politics. While some players embrace the opportunity to engage with political figures, others prefer to keep their focus on football.