The Philadelphia Eagles sent a group of about 55 to the White House on April 28 to celebrate their victory in Super Bowl LIX. Eagles quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts was not in the Philadelphia traveling party that met President Donald Trump on the White House’s South Lawn, toured the Oval Office and placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
A White House release before the event cited “scheduling conflicts” for Hurts’ absence.
On Tuesday, Hurts held his first press conference of the offseason during the Eagles’ voluntary workout program, and the former Alabama standout was asked about missing the visit to the White House.
“I wasn’t available,” Hurts said. “I don’t think that’s pertinent. Everyone who went and was available seemed to enjoy themselves.”
Trump became the first president to attend the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, when Philadelphia defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Hurts won the Pete Rozelle Trophy as the most valuable player of the NFL title game.
The president mentioned Hurts during his comments on the Eagles’ championship season during the team’s White House ceremony.
“Complementing (running back) Saquon (Barkley)’s historic season was an incredible year for star quarterback Jalen Hurts,” Trump said. “He had a great season and a great game. He finished with 32 touchdowns for the year, turning in one stellar performance after another. A terrific guy and a terrific player.”
Hurts kept the focus on Philadelphia’s preparations for the 2025 season during the Tuesday press conference.
Asked for his perspective on what he and the Eagles accomplished during the 2024 season, Hurts said, ‘We’re here talking about the 2025-26 season.”
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at@AMarkG1.