WASHINGTON :Breaking an unofficial political taboo regarding headgear, President Joe Biden welcomed the Kansas City Chiefs to the White House on Friday.
Biden praised the two-time Super Bowl champion team for their sportsmanship both on and off the field. The Chiefs handed him a helmet as a gift, which he tried on.
After the festivities on the South Lawn, quarterback Patrick Mahomes told reporters, “It was cool to see him put the helmet on.” We were taken aback by that. However, it was very awesome to watch him put on the Chiefs helmet and display the Chiefs kingdom for the entire country to see.
The Democratic president recalled that he had mentioned that the Chiefs are creating a “dynasty” at their celebration last year. “I don’t think anybody’s doubting you now,” he added, pointing out the obstacles they overcome on the way to the Super Bowl the previous season.
He brought up the February shooting at the team’s parade and celebration in Kansas City, which claimed the lives of a local radio show host and a mother of two children.
“Amidst the chaos, this team stepped up,” Biden said, adding, “we saw pride give way to tragedy.”
The president declared, “This team is exceptional,” and added that “more needs to be done nationally to stop the tragic shootings before they happen.”
Following the Chiefs’ thrilling overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl in February in Las Vegas, Biden gave the team his recognition. Professional and collegiate championship sports teams have a long-standing custom of being welcomed to the White House.
First lady Jill Biden’s favorite football team, the Philadelphia Eagles, was defeated by the Chiefs in 2023. She went to the game and was raised close to Philadelphia. San Francisco was beaten by Kansas City to win the 2020 Super Bowl.
Kicker Harrison Butker went to the White House with his teammates after making waves earlier this month for criticizing some of Biden’s policies during a commencement speech. Butker recently stood by his remarks, stating that he felt no remorse for voicing his opinions.
At Benedictine College, a private Catholic liberal arts institution in Atchison, Kansas, on May 16, Butker congratulated the ladies obtaining degrees and stated that the majority of them were likely more eager to get married and have a family.
He took issue with a few of Biden’s policy stances, pointing out that the president disapproved of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, which made abortion legal everywhere. Biden and other Democrats intend to utilize the abortion issue to their advantage in November’s elections.
Butker also addressed Biden’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has claimed the lives of close to 1.2 million Americans.
The girlfriend of tight end Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift, was not present, despite the expectations of many. Swift’s Eras tour has been taking her internationally, and on Thursday, she performed in Madrid.