Last month, the Eagles visited the White House after winning Super Bowl LIX. But notably, their star quarterback, Jalen Hurts, was absent, citing scheduling conflicts for missing the event. His absence drew attention, especially after an earlier moment at the TIME100 Gala, where he hesitated when asked whether he’d attend the White House visit. The QB offered only a prolonged “um” and walked away.

The discussion sparked debate. Some believed that it was a subtle political statement, while the former Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins praised Hurts, claiming that the QB’s choice was a step toward becoming “an icon who matters.” Fast forward to now, and the Super Bowl MVP finally addressed why he didn’t visit the White House along with the team.

On Tuesday, Hurts appeared in the media session where he was supposed to talk about the 2025 NFL season. However, when a reporter asked about why he didn’t go to the White House, Hurts straight-up admitted that he wasn’t available. “I wasn’t available,” he said. “I don’t think that’s pertinent. Everyone who went and was available, they seemed to enjoy themselves.” That’s it.

The QB declined to dive deeper into the reasons behind ditching the White House visit. To make it spicier, he didn’t even talk about the Super Bowl victory against the Chiefs. Why? Because it’s all in the past, and the Super Bowl MVP is focusing on what lies ahead. After his prolonged reaction during the TIME100 Gala, Tuesday marks the second instance where Jalen Hurts refused to talk about the White House visit.

But if you’re thinking that Hurts’ absence would spark controversy, think again. There was neither a negative reaction nor did the Trump administration express any disappointment or take offense at Hurts’ absence. To make it clear, the Eagles‘ owner, Jeffrey Lurie, made it clear that the attendance for the White House was “Optional” for the players ahead of the team’s visit.

The players who visited the White House include the RB, Saquon Barkley, TEs Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, C.J. Uzomah, defensive back Cooper DeJean, kicker Jake Elliott, and others. Cut to the present, the quarterback addressed the Eagles’ upcoming season in Tuesday’s media appearance, where he also talked about head coach Nick Sirianni’s contract extension.

Jalen Hurts congratulated Nick Sirianni

Ever since the Eagles hired Nick Sirianni as their head coach, the man’s out there shattering records like it’s no big deal. In his first four seasons as the HC, Sirianni led the Eagles to the playoffs in every season, two Super Bowl appearances, and yeah, a 40-22 victory against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX before entering the final year of his contract with Philly. The interesting part?

Well, the Eagles rewarded Sirianni for his service. On Monday, the HC signed a multi-year contract extension with the Eagles. While the contract terms are still unclear, we can assume the guy will stack up more than his reported $7 million per-season salary. Besides, Sirianni’s new deal will reportedly be one of the most lucrative deals in the NFL.

Right after that went down, Jalen Hurts congratulated the head coach while talking with the media. “First and foremost, congratulations to him,” Hurts said. “Everything he’s achieved and accomplished, he’s earned. To see his evolution and growth playing QB for him, it’s been a great experience, a great ride. And hopefully we’re just getting started.”

For the time being, the Chiefs’ head coach, Andy Reid, is reportedly the highest-paid head coach in the NFL. Reid is currently reportedly stacking up $20 million per season and is ahead of the Broncos‘ head coach, Sean Payton, the Steelers‘ veteran HC, Mike Tomlin, and the Chargers‘ HC, Jim Harbaugh, with $16 million per season. With his multi-year contract extension, the head coach is now through many more seasons in Philly.