The Eagles did what winners of the Super Bowl do. To celebrate their victory in Super Bowl LIX, they packed their bags, dressed in their best clothes, and drove into the White House. It was everything one would expect: there was a presidential thumbs-up, ceremonial gifts, team bonding, and photo opportunities. But one important piece was missing: Jalen Hurts. The MVP. The foundation of the franchise. The one who led them into New Orleans and got the Lombardi home.

In order to avoid answering any more questions, the team’s official statement blamed a “scheduling conflict.” But the curiosity began a few days prior when Hurts was questioned on the red carpet about whether he would go to the White House visit. He paused, smirked subtly, and then shifted his focus to offseason training. No definitive response, but no denial either. But the fans weren’t buying the calendar as a reason.

So, when the NFL shared a picture of the Eagles squad posed proudly in front of the White House, with President Donald Trump holding up a customized Eagles helmet. Standing next to him was veteran lineman Lane Johnson, with a team jersey with “TRUMP 47” printed across the back. A nod to Trump becoming the 47th president. The NFL’s caption kept things clean and diplomatic: “The @philadelphiaeagles visited the White House today to celebrate their Super Bowl LIX victory.” The Eagles also posted a patriotic post on Instagram with a detailed note from owner Jeffrey Lurie. 

He called the visit a “reminder of sacrifice, selflessness, and discipline.” On the surface, it seemed heartfelt and wholesome. But something felt off. Like a gentle reminder to those who failed to show up. Because you don’t have to mention names when your MVP skips the most important team event of the offseason. You just underline values instead.

During the event, only Trump offered Hurts a backhanded bouquet in typical Trump flair, saying, “Jalen Hurts is a terrific guy and a terrific player.” But he turned just as fast. And started praising Saquon Barkley, who not only showed up but also flew in on Air Force One with him.

The Team highlighted their visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. They spoke of players who laid wreaths. Coaches who gave tributes. The emotional weight of honoring fallen heroes. But Jalen Hurts, the face of the franchise, was not even mentioned. Not once. Instead, these became expressions became the main point of it, “core values,” “leadership,” and “what this country stands for.”

Jalen Hurts skips the visit, but the internet shows up for him

But the fans swiftly shifted the focus back on the missing MVP. The NFL post began to get flooded with comments supporting the QB’s step to not attend the event.“JALEN HURTS RESPECT ————>,” one wrote in all caps, obviously seeing his absence as a silent act of defiance. Another person added, “Jalen the MVP on and off the field,” elevating the moment into more than just football fandom—it felt like a statement of values.

With remarks like “and the goat Jalen Hurts ain’t there,” some portrayed Hurts’ silence as a form of political expression. “Still mad they beat my Chiefs, but gotta respect Hurts, Brown, and others for not going,” wrote another fan in the comments section.

This non-attendance doesn’t come out of nowhere, as the Eagles have been wrapped in controversy over White House trips previously. In 2018, the team was disinvited by then-President Trump after reports that several players planned to skip the event over disagreements around social and political issues, including kneeling during the national anthem. That incident became national news. Now, in 2025, the visit has yet again sparked questions because of the choices made by important players like Jalen Hurts.

Though Lurie stated that the visit was “optional,” as he ended his post. But the Eagles’ social media posts conveyed a different message. This wasn’t just a victory lap, as seen by the military tributes, patriotic captions, happy pictures with Trump, and the “TRUMP 47” jersey. It almost meant: If you missed it, you missed the moment that shaped our team’s identity.