Philadelphia Eagles Pull Ads Claiming Kamala Harris Is Team’s Official Candidate

Did the Eagles endorse Kamala Harris?

No, but ads appeared in various locations around Philadelphia on Monday claiming that the Democratic presidential candidate has the official endorsement of the Eagles, prompting a wave of criticism, not to mention thumbs-up rallies on social media.

The ads show the Birds logo above the word “Kamala” in bold white letters, followed by the text “Philadelphia Eagles Official Draftee.” It shows a woman who closely resembles Harris wearing an Eagles helmet and holding a football.

The Eagles organization quickly disclaimed any responsibility for the ads.

“We are aware of false political ads circulating and are working with our advertising partner to remove them,” the team said in a statement posted on social media platform X on Monday.

The posters, which have appeared at some SEPTA bus stops, including the busy intersections of 34th and Walnut streets and North 16th and Spring Garden, also include an actual link to the band’s official website, which encourages general voter registration and provides nonpartisan voter information, PhiladelphiaEagles.com/vote.

So far, no one has come forward and claimed ownership of the ads.

However, they looked credible enough to generate a lot of discussion – both for and against the ad’s message.

Kory Aversa, a public relations specialist who represents many prominent Philadelphia clients, said he heard about the ads, put on an Eagles jersey and went to the bus stop at North 16th and Spring Garden to check it out for himself.

“Nothing surprises me in Philadelphia,” said Aversa, who began talking to other people who also stopped to take photos. Reactions were mixed.

“Some people thought it was amazing. Some people thought politics shouldn’t be in sports, and some people were just surprised,” he said.

Even an ad pro thought it was real. He took a selfie with the ad and posted it on X.

“How crazy is that!? I am so proud of my Birds and my city!” he wrote.

While the Eagles organization has made it clear the team is not behind the false ads, the Birds’ relationship with former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, has not been particularly close.

After the Eagles won the 2018 Super Bowl, the team was invited to the White House by then-President Trump. However, Trump rescinded the invitation after learning that several members of the team would not attend. Fewer than 10 players planned to attend.

In a statement at the time, Trump spoke of a “smaller delegation” and said some players “disagree with their president because he insists they stand proudly during the national anthem.”

At the time, there was controversy over athletes “taking a knee” during the national anthem in protest of social and racial injustice. During the 2017 season no eagle knelt down during a regular season or playoff game. Player Malcolm Jenkins raises his fist in protestbut it was stopped halfway through the regular season.

It was initially unclear whether the team would even be invited to the White House.