In the days leading up to the Philadelphia Eagles' visit to the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl LIX victory, star running back Saquon Barkley took an additional step by spending a day golfing with former President Donald Trump at his Bedminster, New Jersey golf course. This followed Barkley's standout 2,000-yard season, which earned him the Offensive Player of the Year award.

Barkley faced significant backlash for his association with Trump but defended his actions on social media, stating, "lol some people are really upset cause I played golfed and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT." He added that he had also played golf with Barack Obama and emphasized, "Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand. Just golfed with Obama not too long ago… and look forward to finishing my round with Trump! Now ya get out my mentions with all this politics and have amazing day."

Reflecting on the tradition of championship teams visiting the White House, Barkley said, "You may not get that opportunity again, and it's no guarantee that we're going to win a Super Bowl again, and if we win a Super Bowl, growing up my whole life, what do you do? You win a Super Bowl, you go to the White House, you represent your team."

Meanwhile, tensions among New York Giants players following an incident involving Jaxson Dart were reportedly resolved. Defensive lineman Abdul Carter commented on the situation, saying he initially thought a video of the players was "AI," and added, "What are we doing man?" Carter and Dart later discussed the matter with reporters and shared a hug, signaling reconciliation. Barkley expressed his satisfaction with the resolution, stating, "I'm glad him everything that went over there in New York, they put that in the past and get back to ball."

Several teams, particularly in the NBA, have recently declined White House visits, but Barkley noted that a trip to Washington, D.C. for champions has always been part of his experience.

Sources