The defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, are scheduled to visit the White House on Monday, April 28. However, it appears they may be making the trip to Washington, D.C., without their starting quarterback.
Jalen Hurts was notably noncommittal when asked whether he would be attending. He didn’t say he was not making the trip. Then again, he didn’t confirm his attendance. The instantly viral video has everyone searching for clues.
Jalen Hurts Caught in Viral Moment When Asked About White House Visit
The star quarterback was on the red carpet at the 2025 TIME100 Gala, held on April 24 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, when he was asked by a TIME reporter if he planned to attend the White House visit.
The interaction quickly went viral due to its awkwardness—Hurts gave a one-word response: “Umm.” Then, after an awkward pause, Hurts hesitated, glanced away, and offered the reporter a wry smile.
After a moment of silence, the reporter broke the tension with, “Got it. Thank you so much.” Hurts thanked them in return and walked away.
The exchange has fueled speculation that the 2025 Super Bowl MVP may not be part of the Eagles’ contingent visiting the White House on Monday. The team formally accepted President Donald Trump’s invitation in March, following their 40–22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie has emphasized that attending the White House visit is completely voluntary. He doubled down after twice being asked to clarify.
“Our culture is that these are optional things,” Lurie said at the NFL’s annual owners meeting. “If you want to enjoy this, come along and we’ll have a great time. And if you don’t, it’s totally optional.”
Head coach Nick Sirianni also addressed the upcoming visit, expressing his enthusiasm.
“What an honor. What an honor to be able to go to the White House,” Sirianni said. “Teams that have won championships have been doing that for a long time, and I’m really honored and excited to go.”
Eagles Declined White House Visit After 2018 Super Bowl Win
This marks the second time in seven years that the Eagles have made plans to visit the White House following a Super Bowl victory. The trip from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. is a short one, roughly 142 total miles between the two cities.
There is precedent for a boycott. After winning their first championship in 2018, the Eagles declined President Trump’s invitation amid reports that several players intended to boycott the visit. Trump, then in his first term, ultimately rescinded the invitation.
It remains unclear which players, if any, will choose not to attend the White House visit this time around.