The Philadelphia Eagles recently visited the White House, per tradition, as the Super Bowl champions. However, several notable players were missing, including quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver AJ Brown. The two broke the silence on why they weren’t in attendance.
Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown Address Why They Missed the White House Visit
“I wasn’t available,” Hurts said when asked why he wasn’t with his teammates at the White House. “I don’t think that’s pertinent. Everyone who went, and was available, they seemed to enjoy themselves.”
Jalen Hurts asked why he didn’t go to the White House: “I wasn’t available. I don’t think that’s pertinent. Everyone who went, and was available, they seemed to enjoy themselves.” pic.twitter.com/mLbvuyyqVh
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation)
Hurts was named the Super Bowl MVP after completing 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He also added 11 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
This was the second time he had led the Eagles to the Super Bowl, and after losing their first matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 57 just two years earlier, the Eagles were victorious this time.
Meanwhile, Brown was also asked about missing the White House visit. “I had a personal reason I was dealing with that day,” Brown said. “It wasn’t about politics or who is in office or anything. I just had something personal going on with my family.”
AJ Brown asked why he didn't go to the White House: "I had a personal reason I was dealing with that day. It wasn't about politics or who is in office or anything. I just had something personal going on with my family." pic.twitter.com/W0DyjZRWlt
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation)
During the Super Bowl, Brown caught three of his five targets for 43 yards and a touchdown.
While Hurts and Brown were not in attendance to visit the White House, they were not the only notable Eagles to miss the visit. Devonta Smith, Zack Baun, Jalen Carter, Nakobe Dean, Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, and Jordan Davis were among the other players not in attendance.
Among the #Eagles not at the White House today:
• Jalen Hurts
• AJ Brown
• DeVonta Smith
• Brandon Graham
• Darius Slay
• Nolan Smith
• Jordan Davis
• Jalen Carter
• CJ Gardner-Johnson
• Zack Baun
• Nakobe Dean
• Isaiah Rodgers
• Jalyx Hunt
• Josh Sweat pic.twitter.com/5yr5BNYRF3— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation)
Hurts and Brown insist that their absence was for personal reasons and did not involve politics. As for the rest of the players, no statement has been made.
Meanwhile, Saquon Barkley, Lane Johnson, Nick Sirianni, Eli Ricks, and others were among those who were in attendance to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House.
“We’re not done,” said Johnson at the White House. “We’re ready for another round.”
Lane Johnson of the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles:
“We’re not done. We’re ready for another round.”
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton)
The Eagles finished with a 14-3 record in 2024, en route to an NFC East division title and the No. 2 seed in the NFC. With much of the same cast returning in 2025, the team figures to be among the favorites to hoist the Lombardi Trophy once again.
Politics is a divisive topic, and regardless of reasoning, the attendance or lack of attendance at events like these is sure to ruffle the feathers of some. However, Johnson and the Eagles are focused on trying to run it back and hoist their second consecutive Lombardi Trophy this upcoming season.