Saquon Barkley speaks out after Trump outing: 'Maybe I just respect the office'

After years of speculation and tension over White House visits, the Philadelphia Eagles ultimately accepted an invitation in March to celebrate their latest Super Bowl win

But ahead of that visit Monday, running back Saquon Barkley was spotted golfing with President Trump and now he's firing back at critics online

The pair was seen together at Trump's golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey Sunday before traveling to Washington, D.C. later that same day

What a nice guy he is. Photos and videos quickly sparked a wave of online reactions with many fans criticizing Barkley

But he was quick to respond to those comments on X Monday morning, saying

Maybe I just respect the office. Not a hard concept to understand

Just golfed with Obama not too long ago and look forward to finishing my round with Trump

Now get out of my mentions with all of the politics and have an amazing day

In 2018, the Eagles' last White House visit was canceled by President Trump

stemming from tensions over national anthem protests and limited player participation But this time around it seems both sides are ready to put the past behind them This is a time tradition being invited by the White House

There were special circumstances back then that were very different. And so this was kind of an obvious choice and I look forward to it

Or at least for the most part, because not everyone may be as eager

Quarterback Jalen Hurts addressed the visit at the 2025 Time 100 Gala in New York Thursday, and when asked if he plans to attend, his response was short

Are you planning on visiting the White House next week? Thank you so much

And according to an NBC News White House correspondent, a White House official confirmed Monday afternoon that Hertz is among several players who will not attend, citing scheduling conflicts

With Straight Arrow News, I'm Kennedy Felton. Download our app or visit san.com for more