The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to attend the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl 52 win on June 5.
Coach Doug Pederson shared with media Tuesday the team’s plan to visit the nation’s capital and that he will leave the decision to attend up to individuals.
Since the Eagles Super Bowl win, safety Malcom Jenkins, defensive end Chris Long and wide receiver Torrey Smith said they would not attend the White House ceremony if invited.
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz told media Tuesday he didn’t see the trip as a political visit, but rather a celebration of the team’s accomplishment.
“I think it’s just a cool way to received the honor nationally and be recognized,” Wentz said, according to Philly.com. “I don’t personally view it— I know some people do, everyone has their own opinion on it— I don’t view it as a political thing whatsoever. I don’t mess with politics very often. But I will be involved going forward.”
Jenkins, who was one of several NFL players who protested police brutality and social injustice during the playing of the national anthem during the 2017 season, appeared on CNN the morning after the Eagles' Super Bowl win to share his reason for not attending.
"No, I personally do not anticipate attending (the White House ceremony)... My message has been clear all year. I'm about creating positive change in the communities that I come from ... I want to see changes in our criminal justice system,” Jenkins said on CNN in February.
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