The Super Bowl champions are headed to the White House, but not everybody will be on the trip. So who’s staying? And who’s going?
What to Know
- It's tradition for the Super Bowl champions to visit the White House for a photo opp.
- Some Eagles have said they won't attend the ceremony.
- President Donald Trump has taken aim at NFL players protesting the national anthem.
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz will join his teammates for the traditional White House photo op.
“For me personally, if the team decides, that as a whole, most guys want to go or be a part of it, I will be attending with them,” Wentz told reporters as he spoke Tuesday. “I think it’s just a cool way to receive the honor and be recognized nationally.”
The Eagles are set to visit President Donald Trump’s White House on June 5. Exact details of the visit are still being worked out, head coach Doug Pederson said Tuesday.
“Excited to be going, to be honored as world champions is a great honor,” Pederson said.
Wentz watched from the sideline as backup quarterback Nick Foles led the Eagles to the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory last season.
It is unclear how many of the players will make visit the White House. Trump took aim at NFL players who protested during the national anthem last season. Several key players like Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Long and Brandon Graham have already said they won't attend.
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Going or not is up to each individual player, Pederson said.
For Wentz, he doesn’t intend on making any political statement.
“I don’t view it as a political thing, whatsoever,” Wentz said. “I don’t really mess with politics.”
Wentz and many of his teammates took to the practice field for organized team activities (OTAs), basically non-mandatory and voluntary practices, Tuesday morning at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia.