Former President Donald Trump publicly congratulated the Kansas City Chiefs following their thrilling AFC Championship victory over the Buffalo Bills, highlighting their achievement and acknowledging the support he received from a segment of their fanbase. Trump’s message, posted on Truth Social, praised the team’s overall performance, specifically mentioning the coach, quarterback, and “fantastic FANS” who he claimed voted for him in “record numbers.” This public acknowledgement of purported support from Chiefs fans aligns with Trump’s typical engagement with sports figures and teams, often emphasizing political alignment. He also extended congratulations to the Buffalo Bills, predicting future success for the team despite their loss. This seemingly even-handed approach to both teams contrasts with his previous interactions with NFL teams, particularly the Philadelphia Eagles, who will face the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII.
Trump’s congratulatory message to the Chiefs included a noteworthy reference to the “MAGA” slogan, underscoring the political undertones of his message. By linking the Chiefs’ victory to his political movement, Trump attempts to capitalize on the team’s success and connect it with his own brand. This strategy of associating with popular sports teams and figures has been a recurring theme in Trump’s public pronouncements. His omission of any mention of the Philadelphia Eagles, the NFC Champions, further underscores the existing tension between Trump and the Eagles organization stemming from a 2018 incident where a White House invitation was rescinded following player protests against racial injustice and police brutality.
The history between Trump and the Philadelphia Eagles dates back to the team’s 2018 Super Bowl victory. Following the win, a planned visit to the White House was ultimately cancelled after a number of Eagles players indicated they would not attend in protest of Trump’s stance on kneeling during the national anthem. Trump had previously criticized NFL players who knelt during the anthem, viewing the act as disrespectful to the flag and military personnel. The Eagles’ decision not to attend escalated into a public dispute, highlighting the intersection of sports, politics, and social activism. This pre-existing tension adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming Super Bowl matchup, potentially influencing the narrative surrounding the game beyond the purely athletic competition.
The political undercurrents surrounding this year’s Super Bowl are further amplified by the public displays of support for Trump by members of the Mahomes family. Brittany Mahomes, wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, has liked social media posts expressing support for Trump, while Randi Mahomes, Patrick’s mother, has been seen wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat. These public displays of political affiliation, while personal expressions, inevitably become part of the broader narrative surrounding the team and its star quarterback. This adds to the already existing political tension stemming from Trump’s previous interactions with the NFL and the Eagles, potentially contributing to a highly charged atmosphere around the Super Bowl.
The intersection of sports and politics is not a new phenomenon, but the upcoming Super Bowl LVII appears poised to be particularly infused with political overtones. Trump’s congratulatory message, his pointed omission of the Eagles, and the public displays of support for him by members of the Mahomes family all contribute to this dynamic. The pre-existing tension between Trump and the Eagles, rooted in the 2018 White House invitation controversy, adds an additional layer of complexity. This confluence of factors has the potential to shape the narrative surrounding the game, turning it into more than just a sporting event but also a stage for political expression and commentary.
This year’s Super Bowl, therefore, offers a glimpse into the increasingly intertwined nature of sports and politics in the modern era. The game itself, featuring two highly skilled teams, promises to be a thrilling spectacle. However, the backdrop of political undercurrents, fueled by Trump’s pronouncements and the public expressions of political affiliation by individuals connected to the teams, creates a unique and potentially contentious context. How these factors will ultimately influence the perception and reception of the game remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly contribute to a heightened level of intrigue and anticipation surrounding Super Bowl LVII.
