‘Great Honor,’ ‘Cool’: NFL Players React To Trump Attending Super Bowl

Some of the biggest names playing in Super Bowl LIX have welcomed President Donald Trump’s attendance at the game, with one calling it a “great honor.”

The Kansas City Chiefs are seeking a three-peat Super Bowl victory on Sunday in a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Chiefs and Eagles last met in the big game in 2023 when Kansas City knocked off Philadelphia 38 to 35.

“That’s awesome. It’s a great honor,” Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said when asked about Trump’s attendance. “I think, you know, no matter who the president is, I know I’m excited because it’s the biggest game of my life, you know. And having the president there, you know, it’s the best country in the world. So, that’d be pretty cool.”

Travis Kelce was asked about Donald Trump attending the #SuperBowl. pic.twitter.com/azK35ylOI5

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 5, 2025

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was similarly warm toward Trump: “It’s always cool to be able to play in front of a sitting president, someone that is at the top position in our country.”

Trump has been complimentary toward Mahomes in the lead up to Sunday’s game. The president was asked on Wednesday who he would be rooting for, and while he declined to say, he made a comment believed to be about Mahomes.

“I don’t want to say, but there’s a certain quarterback that seems to be a pretty good winner,” Trump said.

Mahomes accepted the compliment: “It’s cool to hear that he’s seen me play football and respects the game that I play.”

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed President Trump's "winner" comment and how he feels gearing up to play before a sitting president. pic.twitter.com/2wrou1mkn3

— The Associated Press (@AP) February 5, 2025

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and offensive tackle Jordan Mailata welcomed Trump to attend but made clear they were more focused on the game rather than who would be in the stands.

“That’s cool, but Donald is not on that field. That’s cool, but again, that’s blocking out the noise,” Mailata said. “What am I going to do thinking about Donald Trump? How is that going to make me win the game?”

Hurts said the president is “welcome to do what he wants.” Asked if the president’s attendance placed any “added pressure” on the game, Hurts responded, “no ma’am.”

Trump has received support from some players who missed out on the Super Bowl this year, as well. Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill said that the opportunity to play in front of Trump would be “something to knock off the bucket list.”

“Not everyday do you get to, you know, play football in front of, you know, the guy that, you know, people respect at the helm of this country, man. I’ve always been a fan of Donald Trump, by the way, so, that would be awesome,” Hill said.

WATCH????: Star WR Tyreek Hill: “I’ve always been a fan of Donald Trump!” pic.twitter.com/T5tKJYMlje

— Officer Lew (@officer_Lew) February 8, 2025