Jalen Hurts has been riding high since leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl win earlier this year, earning Super Bowl MVP honors with a performance that reminded everyone why he’s one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks. But this week, the Eagles star found himself in the spotlight for a different reason—a curious reaction to a question about the team’s upcoming White House visit. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, while attending the TIME100 Gala in New York, Hurts was asked if he’d be joining his teammates for the traditional trip to D.C. on April 28. His response? A simple “Umm,” followed by the interviewer quickly moving on with a “Got it. Thank you so much.” It’s the kind of non-answer that’s got Eagles fans—and the NFL world—wondering what’s really going on in Hurts’ head.
The White House visit has been a tradition for Super Bowl champions since 1980, a chance for the winning team to celebrate with the President and soak in the national spotlight. But this year’s trip stirred up some controversy for the Eagles. Reports initially surfaced that the team might snub the invite, a rumor that seemed believable given their history—they famously declined to visit in 2018 after their Super Bowl LII win over the Patriots, citing scheduling conflicts amid tensions with then-President Donald Trump. This time around, there was also chatter about Hurts’ feelings toward Trump, who attended Super Bowl 59 in February to watch the Eagles take down the Chiefs. Hurts didn’t seem particularly thrilled about Trump’s presence at the game, and some speculated that might influence the team’s decision. But the Eagles have since accepted the invitation, with the visit scheduled for April 28, just a few days after the NFL Draft wraps up.
Hurts’ “Umm” at the TIME100 Gala has left everyone guessing about whether he’ll actually show up. As the team’s leader and a two-time Pro Bowler who threw for 385 yards and four touchdowns in the Super Bowl, his presence would carry weight. He’s been the heartbeat of this Eagles squad since taking over as the starter in 2021, leading them to three straight playoff appearances and now a championship. Skipping the White House visit could send a message—intentional or not—about his stance on the tradition, especially given the political undertones that have surrounded these visits in recent years. On the flip side, joining his teammates would show unity, something Hurts has always prioritized. Just look at how he handled the Super Bowl parade in February, riding down Broad Street with his teammates, hoisting the Lombardi Trophy while “Sweet Caroline” blared through the streets of Philly. He’s a team-first guy, and missing a moment like the White House visit might not sit well with fans who see him as the face of the franchise.
At the same time, Hurts isn’t obligated to spill his plans to the world. His “Umm” could mean a lot of things—maybe he’s genuinely unsure, maybe he didn’t want to get into it at a gala, or maybe he’s keeping his cards close to his chest for a reason. Hurts has always been a man of few words when it comes to the media, letting his play do the talking. This season, he’s been lights out, throwing for 4,205 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just 9 interceptions while adding 614 rushing yards and 12 scores on the ground. He’s the kind of leader who shows up when it counts, whether it’s a fourth-and-1 tush push or a deep ball to A.J. Brown in crunch time. So while his lack of a clear answer has sparked some intrigue, it’s hard to imagine him not being there with his team in D.C. next week. Eagles fans will just have to wait and see if their Super Bowl MVP steps into the White House spotlight—or if he makes a statement by staying home.
