Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts reportedly made his decision about the team’s Super Bowl celebration at the White House. Hurts will not attend the event with President Donald Trump on Monday. Fox News confirmed the absence was due to "scheduling conflicts."
Word of Hurts' decision came just hours before the celebration. Last week, Hurts raised eyebrows when he dodged a question on the Time100 Gala red carpet. He was asked whether he would attend the White House celebration.
Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown and Devonta Smith did not attend the Eagles White House visit pic.twitter.com/Zc7OdlIYXm
— The Eagle Times (@the_eagle_times) April 28, 2025
Hurts also didn’t offer a glowing review of Trump’s decision to attend Super Bowl LIX. "He's welcome to do what he wants," Hurts said back in February. The Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in that game.
Meanwhile, running back Saquon Barkley had a very different weekend. He was seen golfing with Trump at the president’s course in New Jersey on Sunday. Barkley then rode back to Washington with Trump on Air Force One.
Barkley pushed back at the criticism he faced on social media. "lol some people are really upset cause I played golfed and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT," Barkley wrote on X. "Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand. Just golfed with Obama not too long ago… and look forward to finishing my round with Trump ! Now ya get out my mentions with all this politics and have amazing day."
The running back’s comments sparked even more reactions across social media. Some defended him for respecting the office, while others continued to criticize his appearance with Trump. Barkley didn’t appear fazed by the backlash.
While Hurts stays away and Barkley embraces the visit, the Eagles organization is still planning a strong showing. Team owner Jeffrey Lurie and head coach Nick Sirianni have both expressed excitement about visiting the White House. They are expected to join the rest of the team for Monday’s celebration.
The event will honor the Eagles' dominant Super Bowl win. Despite some controversy, the team is pushing forward with the visit.