What's happened
Saquon Barkley faced backlash for golfing with President Trump before the Eagles' White House visit to celebrate their Super Bowl victory. Jalen Hurts, however, cited scheduling conflicts for his absence from the event. Barkley defended his actions on social media, emphasizing respect for the presidency.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- Barkley's Defense: Saquon Barkley responded to criticism for golfing with Trump, stating, "Maybe I just respect the office." This highlights the intersection of sports and politics, where athletes often face scrutiny for their associations.
- Hurts' Absence: Jalen Hurts' absence raises questions about player sentiments towards Trump, especially given the Eagles' previous refusal to visit the White House in 2018. His vague response at the TIME100 gala suggests a reluctance to engage in political discourse.
- Cultural Impact: The Eagles' visit and the surrounding controversy reflect broader societal divisions. Athletes like Barkley and Hurts are navigating their public personas amid polarized political climates.
- Future Implications: As the NFL continues to engage with political figures, the reactions from players and fans will likely shape future interactions between sports and politics. This could influence how teams approach similar invitations in the future.
What the papers say
According to the New York Post, Barkley faced backlash for golfing with Trump, stating, "Lol some people are really upset cause I played golfed and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT." This reflects the ongoing scrutiny athletes face regarding their political affiliations. Meanwhile, AP News reported that Hurts cited scheduling conflicts for his absence, which raises questions about his stance on the political climate surrounding the Eagles' visit. The contrast in responses from Barkley and Hurts illustrates the varied approaches athletes take when navigating their public and political identities.
How we got here
The Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs on February 9, 2025. Following the victory, President Trump invited the team to the White House, a visit that had been previously canceled in 2018 due to political tensions.
Go deeper
- What was the Eagles' reaction to the White House invitation?
- How did fans respond to Barkley's social media post?
- What are the implications of Hurts' absence from the celebration?
Common question
-
What is Dak Prescott's Recovery Status and Its Impact on the Cowboys?
Dak Prescott's recovery from injury is a hot topic among NFL fans and analysts alike. As he prepares for the upcoming season, many are curious about how his return will affect the Dallas Cowboys' performance and their management decisions regarding player contracts. Here are some common questions surrounding Prescott's recovery and the Cowboys' future.
-
How Did Jalen Hurts Celebrate His Super Bowl Victory and Marriage?
Jalen Hurts, the Super Bowl champion quarterback, recently made headlines not just for his athletic achievements but also for his personal life. After leading the Philadelphia Eagles to victory in February 2025, Hurts confirmed his marriage to Bryonna Burrows. This page explores how Hurts celebrated his Super Bowl win and the details surrounding his marriage, shedding light on the intersection of his professional and personal milestones.
More on these topics
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971. The founding members were Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner.
-
Jalen Alexander Hurts is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He played college football at Oklahoma and Alabama and was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Saquon Barkley is an American football running back for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He played college football at Penn State for three seasons.
He totaled 5,557 all-purpose yards in his three-year collegiate career.
-
Rayne Dakota "Dak" Prescott is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs and was selected by the Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft
-
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants compete in the National Football League as a member club of the league's National Football Conference East division.
-
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs compete in the National Football League as a member club of the league's American Football Conference West division.
-
Marine One is the call sign of any United States Marine Corps aircraft carrying the president of the United States. It usually denotes a helicopter operated by Marine Helicopter Squadron One "Nighthawks", consisting of either the large Sikorsky VH-3D Sea