Jalen Hurts’ Controversial Decision to Skip White House Celebration

The Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback, Jalen Hurts, stirred up mixed reactions among fans when he opted out of the team’s visit to the White House in April to celebrate their Super Bowl victory.

Hurts wasn’t alone in his decision; he joined teammates AJ Brown, Devonta Smith, Jalen Carter, and Brandon Graham in skipping the event. Yet, as the starting quarterback, his absence attracted more attention. When asked about it on May 20, Hurts explained that he simply had other commitments.

Donovan McNabb, a former Eagles star quarterback, weighed in on Hurts’ choice. During an interview, he expressed support for it, saying, “I have no issues with that at all. I agree. I fully agree with him and the decision he made. It was a decision of a grown man, and he stuck to it.” McNabb reflected on his own similar choice in the past as well.

Most of the Eagles, along with some coaching staff, did make it to the White House, celebrating alongside President Trump and his daughter, Ivanka. Players like Saquon Barkley were present, too. McNabb commented on the decisions of those who attended, emphasizing the importance of personal choice when it comes to such matters: “Everyone has a choice.” He noted that regardless of the visits, the focus remains on future goals, including the potential for another invitation to the White House.

This was not the first time the Eagles have missed a visit to the White House. After winning the Super Bowl in 2018, they chose not to attend due to several players protesting against the national anthem. In that instance, Trump revoked the invitation after hearing some players would not participate.

Interestingly, just weeks before the Eagles’ event, the Los Angeles Dodgers visited the White House to celebrate their World Series title, which included Mookie Betts—a player who had also skipped the visit with the Boston Red Sox in 2019.