The Philadelphia Eagles’ resounding victory against the Kansas City Chiefs at the 2025 Super Bowl was a testament to the meticulous cooperative effort that the team had undergone to establish themselves as one of the best football teams around.
However, it can likewise be argued that it also represented a passionate victory over the largely criticized and politicized Chiefs, who were prized to win the 2025 Super Bowl, uncovering a cultural revelation that imbued the underdog team with a special message. The Eagles have come to signify a certain type of rebelliousness against the status quo, undeniably in the context of sports, but possibly also on a socio-political basis.
Among the reasons for this was the surprisingly inherent political nature of the teams’ associations. Even before the game’s kickoff, President Donald Trump was initially supportive of the Chiefs’ third consecutive appearance in the Super Bowl, possibly referencing the continued support he receives from Brittany Mahomes, wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Additionally, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce unexpectedly welcomed Trump to the game. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, on the other hand, differed in his reception of Trump, making his disinterest apparent.
Additionally, the halftime show, performed by Kendrick Lamar, emphasized and represented an intentionally political message that challenged the status quo in its perception of race in the United States. Actor Samuel L. Jackson dressed as Uncle Sam, deliberately wearing American flag colors, while an all-Black performer lineup sent a powerful message of pushing back against racism and advancing Black excellence.
Although the Eagles have accepted the invitation to receive congratulatory remarks from Trump at the White House April 28, the varying interest from players to attend the event remains to be seen. Alongside the president’s previous cancellation of the same event in 2018 due to likewise disinterest, the event has raised questions about the team’s enthusiasm for meeting a figure seemingly at-odds with players’ creeds.
As so, the team, whether intentionally or not, has become a symbol for fans pushing back against what many consider divisive national politics, highlighting Philadelphia’s commitment to defining its own cultural identity.
