President Donald Trump welcomed the Super Bowl LIX champions to the White House on Monday, continuing his tradition of celebrating athleticism and team spirit in his second administration.
On the South Lawn of the White House, the Philadelphia Eagles stood just outside the South Portico as President Trump took the podium, speaking to a crowd of onlookers and media, and offering a congratulatory message to the exceptional athletes.
“We’re thrilled to welcome everyone to the White House,” Trump said.
He said their big Super Bowl win was a “special day” and praised the Eagles as an “incredible team.” The president also said he would invite the team into the Oval Office at the conclusion of the ceremony, where he hinted that they would also be given a special gift.
The president praised incredible Eagles players like Running Back Saquon Barkley, Offensive Tackle Jordan Mailata, and Offensive Tackle Lane Johnson.
“These are big people,” Trump joked, observing the sheer size and muscle of the professional athletes assembled onstage.
Trump complimented the team, noting that they were an “amazing group of warriors” who “inspired the world with incredible spirit, athletic dominance, and exceptional teamwork.”
He even added, “Fly Eagles, fly!”
Eagles CEO Jeffrey Lurie also added a few comments from the podium, stating, “This was a dominant team with incredible culture.”
He lauded the Eagles for having “selflessness, humility, teamwork, talent, discipline; everything that we all strive for, this team incorporated.”
Lurie further addressed the president. “Thank you for the hospitality today,” he said. “Go birds!”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, team leadership present President Trump with a special autographed Eagles football helmet, as well as a personalized “TRUMP” jersey.
