Trump plans Super Bowl visit after years of tumult with the NFL
Published Feb 08, 2025 Ā ā¢Ā 2 minute read
Join the conversation
Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump, watches the Alabama Crimson Tide versus Georgia Bulldogs college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 28, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Trump attended the college football game in Tuscaloosa ahead of his intended campaign rally in key battleground state Georgia on Monday. Photo by Michael M. Santiago /Getty Images
Donald Trump has been an NFL competitor and a critic. Heās allied with some league titans while feuding with others. Now heās planning to use football as another way to play to the crowd: By attending the Super Bowl.
Advertisement 2
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Don't have an account? Create Account
or
View more offers
Article content
Article content
Recommended Videos
Article content
Trump would be the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl in the eventās 59-year history. He plans to attend the championship game in Louisiana between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday evening, a White House official said.
Trump has been posting and talking about the game, praising key stars without actually naming them ā likely Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce ā and avoiding rooting for a particular team. He strongly alluded to his plans to attend when he congratulated Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on the birth of his third child this week, adding āSee you Sunday!ā
Trumpās attendance is also paired with the revival of another tradition: the pre-game presidential interview, which will be conducted by Fox News Channelās Bret Baier and air before the game.
Your Midday Sun
Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Article content
Advertisement 3
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
But his presence alone will be the latest in his intermingling of the countryās most popular sport with the political arena. In his first term, Trump was the chief critic of NFL players kneeling during the national anthem as a protest against policy brutality.
This yearās Super Bowl comes as the league sands down its diversity efforts. As Trump erases DEI programs from the federal government and schools, the NFL made its own changes and replaced the signs that said āEnd Racismā in the end-zone with other alternatives.
Trump was an owner in the defunct USFL, playing a key role in the leagueās failed attempt to challenge the NFL. Trump also bid on the Buffalo Bills a decade ago.
Trump has also critiqued the latest rule changes on kickoffs, which are designed to minimize injury risk and criticized Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Advertisement 4
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
The president is also feuding with pop star Taylor Swift, Kelceās girlfriend, who supported Democratic nominee Kamala Harris the 2024 campaign. āI HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!ā Trump posted at the time.
Yet he and Swift may be cheering the same team due to Trumpās beef with the Eagles. Trump canceled their Super Bowl celebration at the White House during his first term when many players declined to attend. Trump avoided congratulating the Eagles on winning the NFC championship.
He did congratulate the Chiefs on their AFC victory, praising Coach Andy Reid and Mahomes as well.
Recommended from Editorial
Travis Kelce calls it an 'honour' to have Taylor Swift hater Trump at Super Bowl
From Trump to Taylor: Six Super Bowl storylines Canadian marketers will be watching
Chiefs heiress Gracie Hunt reacts to Donald Trump congratulating team
Article content
Share this article in your social network