For as long as major sports championships have been celebrated, it has been customary for the winning team to visit the White House and be honored by the sitting president.
In recent years, however, a trend emerged — beginning during President Donald Trump’s first administration — where teams declined the invitation for political reasons.
The Philadelphia Eagles, who claimed their second Super Bowl title last month on the backs of a huge performance from the defense as well as quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver DeVonta Smith, were rumored to have declined the customary invitation and choosing not to attend as they did after their first victory in 2018, but those rumors have since been proven false.
“We sent an invitation. They enthusiastically accepted. And you will see them here on April 28,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a briefing Tuesday.
During the game in New Orleans, Trump became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl.
Despite lingering tensions from the Eagles’ previous decision to forgo the White House visit, it appears any past issues have been resolved, and both sides are looking forward to the upcoming celebration.
