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The Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly made their decision on whether to visit the White House after their victory in Super Bowl 59, and the answer is no.
Following their dominant 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on February 9, the Eagles are choosing not to accept an invitation to the nation's capital to meet President Donald Trump.
Eagles skip Super Bowl Champions tradition
The Eagles' win marked their second Super Bowl championship in franchise history, and while a visit to the White House is customary for championship teams, tensions around politics have led the Eagles to make a different choice this time.
Sources close to the team suggest that the decision was made following internal discussions, and the team is said to have firmly declined the offer.
This decision may not come as a shock to those familiar with the team's leadership.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has previously made his opinions about Trump known, stating that he wasn't particularly concerned about the president attending the Super Bowl, but did not see the visit to the White House as a priority.
Hurts' stance on political matters has often been clear, and many view his leadership as a driving force in the Eagles' refusal to engage with the White House invitation.
Lane Johnson, one of the team's leaders, had previously indicated that while it would be an honor to visit the White House, the final decision would be left to a team vote.
This approach sparked backlash from some ers, while others lauded the team's decision to uphold their principles.
The rejection also brings back memories of the Eagles' previous Super Bowl victory in 2018, when the team also chose not to visit the White House after then-President Trump rescinded an invitation over player protests during the national anthem.
While the Eagles have yet to make an official statement on the matter, the decision has already sparked reactions across social media, with some criticizing the move, while others praised it as a stand for self-respect and integrity.
As the NFL continues to navigate political tensions, particularly under the current istration, this incident highlights the growing divide between sports and politics, with the Eagles' decision marking another chapter in the ongoing debate about athletes and activism.
Whether or not the team will address this publicly remains to be seen, but the decision has already become a significant talking point among NFL fans and beyond.