The Philadelphia Eagles are set to visit the White House today to celebrate their 40-22 Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas Cit Chiefs—however, some star players maye be sitting this one out.
In 2018, the team turned down President Trump due to political disagreements, but that was then and this now. A whole lot has changed since, including the Eagles head coach, who is now the loud and boisterous Nick Sirianni, and much of the roster itself.
When the Eagles received this year’s invite from President Trump, team owner Jeffrey Lurie called it a “time-honored tradition” and said accepting the invite as an “obvious choice.” He also emphasized that attendance is optional, allowing players to decide individually. Meanwhile, at least one Eagles superstar has signaled that he may stay on the metaphorical bench.
The plot also thickens as Kalshi, a federally regulated prediction market platform, launched a market allowing users to predict which Eagles players will actually show up. In the span of a few days more than $1 million has been traded in predictions!
Here’s who is and isn’t showing up, according to the wisdom of the crowd.
Jalen Hurts
At the TIME100 Gala, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was asked if he would attend the White House visit. He responded with a hesitant “Umm,” followed by silence, leaving his intentions unclear. Hurts’ non-committal response has sparked speculation about his attendance, making him without a doubt the most interesting player to speculate on via prediction market platforms
- Kalshi says: 25%
Saquon Barkley
Running back Saquon Barkley, an avid golfer, was seen spending time with President Trump at his Bedminster golf course in New Jersey ahead of the scheduled White House visit. A photo circulating online shows Barkley seated beside Trump, which makes it virtually a lock that the All-Pro tailback will show up tomorrow, too.
- Kalshi says: 98%
A.J. Brown
When it comes to his White House plans, wide receiver A.J. Brown has been quieter than a defensive back after giving up a touchdown. Maybe he’s still too busy working on his inner excellence, training his mind for extraordinary performance and the best possible life. Focused on football (and his literary pursuits), Brown’s stance remains anyone’s guess.
- Kalshi says: 78%
DeVonta Smith
DeVonta Smith, another key wide receiver, has also remained silent about his intentions. The speedster out of Alabama is known for getting open, but will he be sprinting to the White House?
- Kalshi says: 94%
Cooper DeJean
As a newcomer to the team, defensive back Cooper DeJean has stayed quiet on all things politics. The rookie was able to pick of Patrick Mahomes for a touchdown during the Super Bowl. I’d be shocked if the youngster doesn’t find his way to the White House Rose Garden, too.
- Kalshi says: 90%
Jake Elliott
Kicker Jake Elliott is one of four players left over from the 2018 Super Bowl winning team. I don’t if you can infer anything from that, but it is an interesting nugget nonetheless.
- Kalshi says: 87%
Nolan Smith Jr.
In only his second season, linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. started 10 of 16 games for the Eagles, recording 42 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Not too long ago he was a top-rated high school player deciding where he would take his talents to in college. Now the rising star is faced with a different type of decisions.
- Kalshi says: 88%
Final Thoughts – A Team Divided?
With the White House visit approaching, some players seem to be anxiously awaiting while others are, umm, let’s say enthused. Will anyone actually play hooky? I guess we’ll find out in a few hours.
While we await the ceremony this afternoon, please comment below with your own predictions!
