C.J. Gardner-Johnson's tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles coincided with their championship victory, yet his recent social media banter reveals a light-hearted take on his absence from the White House celebration. After a successful postseason with 14 tackles during the Eagles' playoff run, Gardner-Johnson humorously cited weight gain as his reason for skipping the visit. He wasn't alone, with notable players like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith also opting out, emphasizing that the event was optional. Eagles' owner Jeffrey Lurie reiterated this, confirming that participation in such celebrations is voluntary.

In a contrasting move, running back Saquon Barkley attended the ceremony and even played golf with former President Trump, a decision that sparked mixed reactions online. Gardner-Johnson, who returned to the Eagles after a brief stint with the Texans, remains a vital asset, contributing to the Eagles' Super Bowl defense and maintaining his charismatic presence in the locker room. His absence from the White House does little to overshadow his impactful performance on the field.