At the end of the 2017 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles emerged victorious in their first—and thus far, only—Super Bowl. They received an invitation to the White House to celebrate their win with the US President, as is customary. Among NFL players, Donald Trump did not enjoy a positive reputation during his tenure as president.
This was brought on by Trump’s criticism of former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and other players who protested during the playing of the National Anthem: “Don’t you think it would be great if one of these owners of the NFL said, ‘Get that son of a b—- off the field right now,’ whenever somebody disrespects our flag? Removed! He’s been let go. “He’s fired!”
Many NFL players and coaches were incensed by Trump’s remarks, which he made in September 2017 during a rally in Alabama. As a result of Trump’s comments, many people—including some Eagles players—who had not previously demonstrated during the playing of the National Anthem began to do so.
When the Eagles received the anticipated invitation to visit the White House, the majority of players and coaches had decided not to go. Trump did not want to host team reps without the entire squad present, even if some players and coaches were among those who were willing to go. On Twitter, he shared:
The Philadelphia Eagles Football Team was invited to the White House. Unfortunately, only a small number of players decided to come, and we canceled the event. Staying in the Locker Room for the playing of our National Anthem is as disrespectful to our country as kneeling. Sorry!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2018
In a statement, he also announced an alternative celebration for Eagles supporters who wished to continue celebrating:
“These supporters are still welcome to attend a different kind of ceremony at the White House, where we will honor our wonderful nation, give thanks to the heroes who defend it, and play the national anthem with pride and loudness.”
The former president and the Eagles organization are not exactly on good terms, as seen by remarks he made while at the City of Brotherly Love this past weekend.
As part of his campaign, the former president, who is the overwhelming favorite to win the Republican nomination and run again in November, traveled to Philadelphia on Saturday. As he was speaking, he said:
It used to be that you guys had strong teams. Are there any excellent teams left here? I’m not sure. A tiny amount.
DAMN… Former President Trump in Philly takes SHOTS AT THE #EAGLES
“You guys used to have good teams here. Do you still have good teams here? I don’t know. A little bit.”
😳😳😳
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 23, 2024
The audience booed him as he made those remarks. After all, the Eagles have just returned from another postseason trip to the NFL, and the Philadelphia Phillies are presently atop the National League East.
That six-year-old resentment has certainly stuck with the former president.