Eagles player Jordan Mailata discusses his recent White House visit and maintains a position of neutrality regarding politics and voting.

Jordan Mailata, the left tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, made his second visit to the White House on Monday for a ceremony hosted by President Donald Trump, honoring the team’s recent Super Bowl victory. The event took place on the South Lawn and commemorated the Eagles’ significant achievement in the NFL. Mailata’s previous appearance at the White House was in December 2023 when he, along with teammates Lane Johnson and Connor Barwin, performed a song from the Eagles’ Christmas album, A Philly Special Christmas Special, during a holiday party for White House staff hosted by First Lady Jill Biden, who is known for her support of the Eagles.

On this recent visit, Mailata was prompted by Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie to showcase his vocal talents once again. Although initially hesitant to sing, he complied when Lurie extended the invitation. During the event, Mailata delivered a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “For Once In My Life,” accompanied by members of the United States Marine Band. He chose this song as it was part of the band’s repertoire, reflecting both his musical inclination and the roots of the Eagles’ celebratory atmosphere.

Mailata, who stands at 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 365 pounds, joined around 32 players in attendance at the ceremony, which included members of the practice squad and prominent figures such as Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert. However, several notable starters, including Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown, were absent due to scheduling conflicts, as indicated by a White House official.

This visit marked a stark change from 2018, when following the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory, Trump rescinded the team’s invitation to the White House due to the Eagles’ plans to send a smaller delegation, which he viewed unfavorably. At the recent ceremony, Trump made remarks recognizing the team’s accomplishments over the season and acknowledged players like Mailata, albeit mispronouncing his name during his speech.

Mailata approached the event with an emphasis on tradition rather than politics. He expressed a desire to enjoy the occasion without political discussions, stating that it was a recognized custom for championship teams to visit the White House.

As Trump discussed the Eagles, he also remarked on the popularity of the team’s signature play, the “Tush Push,” an innovative quarterback sneak they have popularized. Mailata took these comments with humor, acknowledging that the President may not be fully versed in the tactical nuances of football. The overall atmosphere of the ceremony celebrated not only the team’s achievements but also the cultural significance of the Eagles within the Philadelphia community and beyond.

In conclusion, Mailata’s visit to the White House serves as a testament to the Eagles’ triumphant season while highlighting the unique intersection of sports, culture, and politics in America. The event encapsulated the achievements of the team and offered a moment of recognition for the players who contributed to their success.

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