Donald Trump’s relationship with football has always been more than just a casual interest. From his early days as a high school football player to his controversial ownership of a rival football league team, and later, his vocal opinions on social justice protests in the NFL, his history with the sport is layered with drama. Now, as president, he adds another chapter by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl.
On Sunday, Trump will take his seat at the Superdome in New Orleans to witness an electrifying clash between the reigning two-time champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. His presence at the game coincides with the NFL’s recent decision to remove the “End Racism” slogans that have been stenciled in the end zones since 2021. This move has sparked debate, especially considering Trump’s administration has taken steps to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government.
Trump, the Businessman and Football Team Owner
Trump’s football connections run deep, not just as a player but as a former team owner. In the early 1980s, he owned the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League (USFL). True to his bold business style, he pushed for a merger between the USFL and the NFL. His efforts led to a lawsuit against the NFL, which ultimately resulted in the downfall of the USFL.
His history with the NFL has been anything but smooth. During his first term as president, tensions ran high between Trump and the league, particularly regarding players kneeling during the national anthem in protest of racial and social injustices. The movement, which started in 2016 with then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, became a cultural flashpoint. Trump strongly opposed the protests, calling on team owners to take action against players who participated.
A President at the Super Bowl
While Trump has attended a Super Bowl before—in 1992—this marks the first time a sitting U.S. president will be present at the biggest sporting event in America. Unlike his usual polarizing statements, Trump has remained somewhat neutral about the game itself. However, his social media activity suggests he may be leaning toward Kansas City.
Last week, when asked about his pick for the winner, Trump played coy, stating, “I don’t want to say, but there’s a certain quarterback that seems to be a pretty good winner.” Many took this as a nod to Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes. He also publicly congratulated Kansas City after their AFC Championship victory in January.
Political and Social Undercurrents at Play
Trump’s appearance at the Super Bowl isn’t happening in a vacuum. His administration’s recent move to dismantle federal DEI programs has drawn criticism, and some believe the NFL’s decision to remove the “End Racism” slogan from end zones is directly linked to Trump’s presence. However, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has denied any connection, stating that the league’s diversity initiatives remain unchanged despite federal policy shifts.
Not everyone is convinced. Alvin Tillery, a politics professor at Northwestern University and an expert on diversity issues, called the NFL’s move “shameful.” He pointed out that the league generates billions of dollars largely from Black athletes and questioned the motivations behind the change. The NFL, on the other hand, announced that it would be replacing the slogan with “Choose Love” in one of the end zones for this Super Bowl, citing a desire to bring positivity to the country in the wake of recent tragedies, including a devastating truck attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
Trump’s Influence Beyond Football
Trump’s interest in sports goes well beyond football. He is an avid golfer, owning multiple golf courses worldwide, and has hosted several professional tournaments. In addition, he was heavily involved in the boxing world, sponsoring major fights at his former casinos in Atlantic City. His sports-related friendships also extend to former football stars like Herschel Walker and Doug Flutie, both of whom played for the Generals. Trump’s political ties with Walker were particularly strong, as he endorsed his unsuccessful 2022 bid for a U.S. Senate seat in Georgia and later nominated him for an ambassadorship to the Bahamas.
Recently, Trump signed an executive order aimed at preventing transgender women and girls from competing in women’s sports, targeting federal funding for schools that fail to comply. This move has added yet another layer of controversy to his administration’s stance on sports and social issues.
A Super Bowl Unlike Any Other
Trump will be watching the game from a private box, joined by House Speaker Mike Johnson and other high-profile guests. The matchup between Missouri’s Chiefs and Pennsylvania’s Eagles carries additional significance since Trump won both states en route to securing his second presidential term in November.
While the game itself promises an intense showdown on the field, the political and cultural narratives surrounding Trump’s attendance will likely make headlines just as much as the final score. Whether this Super Bowl becomes a footnote in his complicated relationship with football or a defining moment remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—it’s going to be a night to remember.
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