A spotlight once again shines on former President Donald Trump as he prepares to feature in a pre-recorded interview set to air during the pre-game show of the Super Bowl. This high-profile conversation, conducted by a Fox News anchor, comes amid a backdrop of Trump's complex history with the National Football League (NFL) and American sports culture. The Super Bowl, an iconic event expected to draw over 123 million viewers across the United States, serves as a platform for Trump's enduring influence and contentious relationship with sports institutions.
Donald Trump has maintained an intricate rapport with sports leaders globally, notably a "chummy" relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. This rapport is underscored by Trump's display of a replica soccer trophy in the Oval Office, symbolizing his penchant for aligning with significant sports figures. As the United States gears up to host major international events, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, Trump's engagement with sports diplomacy remains in the limelight.
However, Trump's history with the NFL is marked by contention. In 1986, he spearheaded an unsuccessful anti-trust lawsuit against the NFL, aiming to force a merger with the United States Football League (USFL). This legal battle highlighted Trump's ambition to reshape American football's landscape, though it ultimately ended in disappointment.
The Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl victory in 2018 added another chapter to this saga. Despite their win, Trump controversially rescinded their invitation to the White House, citing disputes over players' protests during the national anthem. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell criticized Trump's actions, stating:
"Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL." – Roger Goodell
Within federal policy, Trump has also made waves by signing executive orders aimed at eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This move reverberates in sports, influencing policies like those of the NCAA, which aligned with Trump's stance on transgender athletes by implementing a "clear, national standard."
The upcoming Super Bowl will not display the message "End Racism" in one of the end zones, a deviation from previous years. Instead, the slogans "Choose Love" and "It Takes All Of Us" will be showcased as a response to recent terrorist attacks. An NFL spokesman emphasized these choices as part of their ongoing social messaging.
"Choose Love" and "It Takes All Of Us" – NFL spokesman
Further adding to the event’s cultural significance is the appearance of rapper Kendrick Lamar as headliner for the halftime show. Lamar's track "Alright" became an anthem during Black Lives Matter demonstrations, further intertwining sports with broader social movements.
Trump's history of criticizing NFL players who kneeled during the national anthem in protest against civil rights abuses remains a poignant aspect of his legacy. This criticism reflects a broader narrative of tension between political figures and athletes expressing social concerns.
As anticipation builds for the event, Trump is reportedly set to attend as a guest of Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints. This attendance marks yet another instance of Trump's enduring connection to American football and its prominent figures.