Jalen Hurts Faces Tough Question on White House Visit
Jalen Hurts, the 2025 Super Bowl MVP, found himself in an awkward situation when questioned about the Philadelphia Eagles’ upcoming visit to the White House. The team recently accepted an invitation to meet with President Donald Trump on April 28, after their victory in the Super Bowl earlier this year.
During a red carpet interview at the TIME100 Gala, Hurts was asked by a TIME reporter if he would be attending the White House visit along with his teammates. Responding with a hesitant smile and avoiding eye contact, Hurts provided no clear answer before the interview was abruptly cut short. This moment has sparked curiosity and speculation about Hurts’ stance on the team’s visit to the White House.
The tradition of Super Bowl champions visiting the White House dates back to 1980, with winning teams meeting the sitting president as a customary celebration of their victory. In 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs visited former President Joe Biden after their consecutive Super Bowl wins. However, in 2018, the Eagles declined a White House invitation, leading to a public exchange between the team and President Trump.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney praised the Eagles for their activism and contribution to the community, expressing pride in the team’s achievements both on and off the field. Hurts, who was named MVP after the Super Bowl win, reflected on the significance of the victory during an interview, highlighting the hard work and dedication that led to their success.
President Donald Trump’s presence at the 2025 Super Bowl marked a historic moment as the first sitting president to attend the event. Despite the Eagles’ decision to accept the White House invitation, Hurts’ response to attending the visit remains uncertain, adding further intrigue to the upcoming event.
As the conversation around sports and politics intersects, Hurts’ hesitation towards the White House visit raises questions about the complexities of athletes navigating public expectations and personal beliefs. The eagerness to celebrate athletic achievements alongside political figures underscores the broader societal dialogue on the role of sports in shaping national identity and values.
In the midst of anticipation surrounding the Eagles’ White House visit, Hurts’ reaction serves as a reminder of the diverse perspectives within the sports community and the nuanced decisions athletes face in representing both their team and personal convictions. The upcoming meeting between the Super Bowl champions and the president will likely continue to spark conversations about the intersection of sports, politics, and individual expression in today’s society.