President Donald Trump will attend his first regular season NFL game of 2025 on Sunday afternoon. The 79-year-old president plans to watch the Washington Commanders face the Detroit Lions, according to ESPN host Pat McAfee.
Sep 7, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; President Donald Trump prior to the final of mens singles at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; President Donald Trump prior to the final of mens singles at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
McAfeebroke the news live on his show Friday afternoon. “Sources are telling me that President Donald Trump will be in attendance for this Washington Commanders game in the afternoon against the Detroit Lions,”McAfee said on Friday’s The Pat McAfee Show.
Trump will watch the game from owner Josh Harris’ box rather than a general seating area. McAfee added that the president “will be excited to celebrate the hell out of the greatest sport on earth, American football.”
This marks Trump’s first regular season NFL attendance in 2025, though he previously appeared at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans in February. The February appearance came during the championship game while Sunday represents his return to regular season action.
The Commanders host the Lions in what figures to be a significant game for both franchises. Washington looks to build on their season while Detroit continues pushing for playoff positioning in the competitive NFC.
Trump’s attendance at the Veterans Celebration halftime ceremony adds significance to the game beyond just the on-field action. The timing of his visit aligns with honoring military service members during the halftime program.
Harris hosting the president in his owner’s box shows the relationship between Trump and NFL ownership. The seating arrangement will give Trump a premium view of the game while participating in the veterans recognition.
McAfee’s Friday announcement gave fans advance notice of the presidential attendance. The ESPN host’s sources provided the information about Trump’s plans before the weekend game.
Presidential NFL Appearances Remain Rare
Trump’s Super Bowl appearance in February marked his most recent NFL event before Sunday’s scheduled game. Presidential attendance at regular season games happens infrequently compared to championship events.
Washington hosting Detroit on Sunday afternoon gives Trump a convenient location for his attendance. The nation’s capital provides an obvious choice for a sitting president to attend a sporting event.
Harris’ invitation to Trump shows theongoing relationship between political figures and NFL ownership. The owner’s box provides privacy and security suitable for presidential attendance at public events.
The announcement generated attention heading into Sunday’s game. Trump’s presence will add an extra layer of interest beyond the matchup between Washington and Detroit on the field.