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Trump’s Super Bowl Attendance: A Complex Relationship with Football
NEW ORLEANS — Donald Trump, with a background in high school football and a foray as a team owner in a competing league to the NFL, has a multifaceted history with the sport. His presidency saw him publicly criticize NFL players who opted to kneel during the national anthem, sparking broad discussions regarding social justice and athlete activism.
On Sunday, Trump added another chapter to his relationship with football as he became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl. This event saw him travel from Florida to New Orleans, mingling with participants involved in the ceremonial coin toss, including family members of victims from a recent terrorist attack in the French Quarter, as well as local police and emergency responders.
His presence at the Caesars Superdome was particularly symbolic as it occurred in the context of the NFL’s recent choice to remove “End Racism” slogans from the field, which had been prominent since 2021. This decision aligns with Trump’s trajectory in office, especially following his recent cancellation of federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, leading some to speculate on the correlation between the president’s actions and the league’s new stance. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, however, has maintained that the league’s commitment to diversity does not conflict with the Trump administration’s policies.
In anticipation of the game, Trump expressed his belief that the Kansas City Chiefs would emerge victorious, crediting quarterback Patrick Mahomes as a critical asset to the team’s success. During a recorded interview with Fox News, Trump stated, “I guess you have to say that when a quarterback wins as much as he’s won, I have to go with Kansas City,” and praised Mahomes for his winning capabilities.
Trump’s history with football is notable; he played during his time at the New York Military Academy and owned the New Jersey Generals in the USFL during the 1980s, where he famously sought a merger with the NFL. Despite his prior connection, his presidency brought an adversarial relationship with the league, especially concerning player protests against racial injustice, spearheaded by figures like Colin Kaepernick in 2016.
His contentious remarks included calls for accountability from team owners regarding kneeling players. In 2017, during a lively rally, he proclaimed, “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, you’d say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He’s fired.’”
At the Super Bowl, Trump observed the game from a suite, accompanied by prominent Republican allies such as Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott and House Speaker Mike Johnson. As the national anthem played, he saluted and received guests, including Mahomes’ family.
Trump’s enthusiasm for sports extends beyond football; he is a dedicated golfer and has been involved in boxing promotions and other athletic events. Recently, he played golf with Tiger Woods in Florida, maintaining his active engagement in the sports community.
Several NFL executives have provided financial support to Trump’s political endeavors, illustrating the ongoing intertwining of sports and politics. Trump’s endorsement of former NFL player Herschel Walker in his unsuccessful Senate campaign reflects his continued connections within the sports realm.
Amid these political undertones, Trump recently issued an executive order aimed at restricting transgender women and girls from competing in women’s sports, signaling his administration’s focus on traditional concepts of competition in athletics.
In comments prior to the Super Bowl, Trump praised the two teams for embodying the aspirations of young athletes, emphasizing a desire for safety and fairness in sports alongside equity among competitors. The NFL’s decision to stencil “Choose Love” on the end zones was purportedly meant to spread positivity amid tragedies, including the recent New Year’s incident in New Orleans.
Professor Alvin Tillery from Northwestern University has criticized the NFL for its removal of the “End Racism” slogans, suggesting that the league should clarify its motives and intent. He expressed skepticism regarding the timing of the changes, surmising, “I think they removed it because Trump’s coming.”
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abcnews.go.com