Donald Trump plans to be the 1st sitting US president at a regular-season NFL game since 1978

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Extra security measures were in place hours before the Washington Commanders’ game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, as President Donald Trump planned to become the first sitting president in nearly a half-century to attend a regular-season NFL contest.

Officers in black uniforms identifying them as members of the U.S. Secret Service joined military, police, and other guards inside and outside Northwest Stadium. There were more fences than usual blocking sidewalks, and some pathways were restricted to ensure security.

According to the league, only two other sitting presidents have attended an NFL game during the regular season: Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978. Trump also became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl when he watched the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in February.

Trump was expected to sit with principal owner Josh Harris, the leader of the group that purchased the Commanders from Daniel Snyder for about $6 billion in 2023. In a report by ESPN on Saturday, an intermediary for the White House revealed that Trump wants the club’s new stadium—part of a nearly $4 billion development project at the site of the former RFK Stadium in the nation’s capital—to bear his name.

“That would surely be a beautiful name,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Sunday’s visit to Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, was the latest in a series of high-profile appearances by Trump at sporting events including golf’s Ryder Cup, auto racing’s Daytona 500, and tennis’ U.S. Open.

“We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country,” said Commanders club president Mark Clouse. “The entire Commanders organization is proud to participate in the NFL’s league-wide Salute to Service initiative, recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, active-duty service members, and their families this Sunday.”

There has been friction between Trump and the NFL during his first presidential term, notably when he objected to players kneeling during the national anthem to protest social or racial injustice. This movement began in 2016 with then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
https://www.boston.com/sports/sports/2025/11/09/donald-trump-plans-to-be-the-1st-sitting-us-president-at-a-regular-season-nfl-game-since-1978/