Though health problems kept them from joining President Donald Trump’s inauguration, former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush wouldn’t miss a party in their hometown and were eager to participate in the coin flip before the big game.

"They feel great. They've been taking it easy since they've both been discharged from the hospital, saving up their strength. They're just fired up and didn't want to overexert themselves and risk not being able to make it. They're so focused on this and so proud of their hometown," spokesman Jim McGrath told The Hill.

“They were so proud of Houston and how the community has come together to take on this massive challenge of hosting the Super Bowl,” he said.

As the away team, the Patriots caledl the coin in the air. They chose heads, losing again (as they have in their past four Super Bowls, per SB Nation).

Here are some notable reactions to the former president:

About the Author

Featured

Mathew Palmer, a former Delta Air Lines employee, at his home in Atlanta on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025.  Palmer was fired less than two weeks after writing a post on social media about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. (Natrice Miller/AJC)