C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl LIX victory, chose not to attend the celebratory White House visit, citing personal reasons related to his physical appearance and discomfort with formal attire. Gardner-Johnson humorously explained during a social media livestream that his decision was influenced by weight concerns and an aversion to wearing a tight suit. His absence was part of a broader trend, with several other Eagles players, including notable figures like Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown, also opting out of the trip for various reasons. The visit was not mandatory, and Gardner-Johnson's decision underscores a growing pattern among athletes balancing personal choices with public expectations. Meanwhile, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley attended the event, engaging in activities like golfing with the president, which attracted significant attention and sparked discussions on social media.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson was instrumental in the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl LIX triumph, recording 14 tackles during the postseason, but he declined the invitation to the White House celebration citing personal reasons.

During a social media livestream, Gardner-Johnson humorously explained his absence, mentioning weight gain and discomfort with the formal suit he expected to wear as reasons for not attending.

Gardner-Johnson's decision to skip the White House visit was not an isolated incident, as other Eagles players, including Darius Slay, Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, and DeVonta Smith, also chose not to attend for various personal reasons.

While the White House visit was not mandatory, the absence of several key players highlights a shift in how athletes prioritize personal comfort and expression over traditional expectations.

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was present at the White House event and participated in activities like golfing with the president, which drew mixed reactions on social media, highlighting the intersection of sports and politics.

Barkley addressed the social media attention with a dismissive tweet, advising followers to focus less on politics and enjoy their day, reflecting a desire to separate sports achievements from political discourse.

The Eagles' White House visit, despite notable absences, was part of the broader tradition of sports champions being honored by the sitting president, a practice that often intersects with personal and political statements by athletes.