The Kansas City Chiefs, led by stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, departed for Washington D.C. to meet with President Biden at the White House, commemorating their recent Super Bowl triumph.
The Chiefs are set to visit the White House on Friday, celebrating their third Super Bowl victory in five years, an impressive feat for any NFL franchise. The entire team is expected to grace the South Lawn, including head coach Andy Reid, marking their second visit in as many years.
However, one notable absence will likely be singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, the girlfriend of tight end Travis Kelce. Swift’s absence will undoubtedly disappoint many White House staffers, as press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had previously deflected questions about her potential attendance.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid and players en route to the airport
Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, and the Chiefs en route to Washington D.C.
The Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl victory was a thrilling come-from-behind overtime win against the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas. This triumph adds to their previous Super Bowl wins in 2020 and 2023, showcasing their dominance in the NFL.
Both Kelce and Mahomes, along with Coach Reid, cut sharp figures in their suits as they embarked on their journey. They were joined by teammates Rashee Rice and Wanya Morris, who have faced legal troubles this offseason, as they disembarked from the plane.
It is a long-standing tradition for championship sports teams, be it professional or collegiate, to receive an invitation to the White House. The Chiefs, in particular, have developed a strong rapport with the White House, having visited twice in the past five years.
Teammates Rashee Rice and Wanya Morris posing together
While the Chiefs celebrate their success, one player who has attracted attention for reasons beyond the football field is kicker Harrison Butker. Butker is expected to join his teammates at the White House, despite his recent scathing comments about President Biden and his policies.
During a commencement speech at Benedictine College earlier this month, Butker made headlines by criticizing Biden’s stance on abortion and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed the lives of nearly 1.2 million Americans.
Butker’s comments sparked controversy, but he has stood by his beliefs. Nonetheless, the Chiefs organization has chosen to focus on their athletic achievements and the honor of being received at the White House.
As for Swift, her absence is understandable given her busy schedule. The 34-year-old artist is currently in the midst of her highly anticipated Eras tour, with a performance in Madrid, Spain, taking place just a day before the Chiefs’ White House visit.
The Chiefs shared their excitement on social media, stating, “We’re celebrating our back-to-back championship seasons and victory in Super Bowl LVIII at the White House.”
