The Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory celebration at the White House made headlines for an unexpected reason. Their star quarterback and Super Bowl MVP, Jalen Hurts, was notably absent. This sparked questions among fans and media about his absence, the team’s visit, and reactions from President Donald Trump and others.

Jalen Hurts White House Absence Explained

On April 28, 2025, the Eagles gathered at the White House to mark their Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. According to official statements, Jalen Hurts could not attend due to a “scheduling conflict.” While this left fans disappointed, Hurts had previously avoided confirming his attendance when asked at the TIME 100 gala.

Several other key Eagles players, including AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, were also not present. Despite their absences, President Trump praised Hurts, calling him a “terrific guy and terrific player.” Read more about the celebration and Hurts’ absence at CNN.

President Trump’s Remarks and Media Reaction

During the White House ceremony, President Trump took the opportunity to acknowledge the Eagles’ achievements. He referenced the infamous "tush push" play, voicing his support for its continued use in the NFL. In addition, Trump addressed the star-studded crowd and injected humor by playfully referencing pop star Taylor Swift, who famously dates Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

Trump also commended Hurts’ performance during the season, acknowledging his significant contribution to the Eagles’ championship run. For more details about Trump’s comments and the atmosphere at the White House, check out this USA TODAY article.

Team Traditions and Lasting Impact

While Jalen Hurts missed the White House celebration, the rest of the Eagles team continued with tradition. They visited Arlington National Cemetery to pay their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Team owner Jeffrey Lurie highlighted this visit as a reminder of the values of sacrifice and selflessness that unify the team.

The decision to visit the White House was markedly different from the Eagles’ 2018 championship. Back then, the team declined Trump’s invitation, resulting in controversy. This time, the visit went ahead, with the spirit of celebration prevailing—despite the absence of notable players like Jalen Hurts.

Conclusion: Hurts’ Absence, Team Focus Remains

The buzz around the Jalen Hurts White House absence points to how central the quarterback has become to the franchise. However, the Philadelphia Eagles celebrated as a team, with or without their star. The event highlighted not just victory, but also unity and tradition. For fans wanting to explore more on this topic, refer to detailed coverage at CNN and USA TODAY.

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