While it’s not something that happens often, President Donald Trump seemed to enjoy attending the Detroit Lions-Washington Commanders NFL game on Sunday afternoon at FedExField in Landover, Md.
Trump flew back to Washington, D.C., from his Florida home at Mar-A-Lago to attend the Commanders game as a guest of Commanders owner Josh Harris. Yet Trump does have a bit of history when it comes to the NFL dating back to his time as owner of the old United States Football League’s New Jersey Generals.
There was even a time when Trump considered buying the Buffalo Bills and becoming the team’s owner.
Donald Trump and His History With the USFL and NFL
Trump found some time after his halftime induction ceremony for new members of the United States military to go over to Fox Sports’ in-game booth. Trump joined Fox Sports broadcasters Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma for a bit.
Trump even attempted to get involved in calling a play from the booth, too. He made remarks on the quarterback situation and called for the team to score a touchdown.
“Let’s see what happens…whoaaa”
President Donald Trump calls his first play pic.twitter.com/HDsOJxClzx
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 9, 2025
When it comes to the NFL, Trump’s desire to become part of the league dates back to his USFL days. Back in the 1980s, the USFL, with Trump leading the way as owner of the Generals, filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL.
A jury found that the NFL is an illegal monopoly and ruled in favor of the USFL. During the trial, Trump even took the stand in support of the USFL’s side. Yet the summary judgment from the trial only amounted to $1. The USFL was unable to recover after failing to secure a sizable financial judgment, and the league eventually folded.
In actuality, the $1 award was eventually multiplied to $3 according to court rules and totaled $3.76 with interest, once upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. The USFL sought $1.3 billion in the trial. Author Jeff Pearlman detailed the entire situation in his book, “Football For A Buck: The Crazy Rise and Crazier Demise of the USFL”.
However, Trump has long aspired to be part of the NFL. In 2014, Trump attempted to purchase the Bills for $1 billion. He was one of three known finalists to acquire the franchise after team owner, founder, and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Ralph Wilson passed away.
Eventually, Terry and Kim Pegula, owners of the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, purchased the Bills for $1.4 billion. On Sunday, though, Trump seemed quite happy to be in Harris’ booth alongside Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
