Kansas City Chiefs Honored at the White House Following Second Super Bowl Victory
On May 31, 2024, President Joe Biden hosted the Kansas City Chiefs at the White House to celebrate their consecutive Super Bowl win. The event was held on the South Lawn amidst a series of serious national and global issues, including the ongoing war in Gaza and the criminal conviction of former President Donald J. Trump.
During his remarks, Biden highlighted the team's perseverance and resilience, likening their back-to-back Super Bowl victories to his own re-election efforts. “Winning back-to-back — I kind of like that,” he said. The president also referenced the Chiefs' community spirit, especially their response to the tragic shooting at their February victory parade, which left one woman dead and dozens injured.
The ceremony included notable attendees such as Chiefs' coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and tight end Travis Kelce. Despite his previous controversial statements about gender roles and LGBTQ+ issues during a commencement address, kicker Harrison Butker also attended, standing silently among his teammates.
The event saw President Biden don a Chiefs helmet, an unusual move that received positive reactions from players and attendees alike. Notably absent was Taylor Swift, Kelce’s girlfriend, who was on her European tour.
Overall, the event served as both a celebration of sportsmanship and a moment of reflection on broader societal issues.