The New England Patriots touched down at the White House Thursday.
President Obama honored the Super Bowl Champion football team on the South Lawn, kicking off his remarks with a joke about the team’s long since past “Deflate Gate” controversy.
“I usually tell a bunch of jokes at these events, but with the Patriots in town, I was worried that 11 out of 12 of them would fall flat,” Obama quipped, adding, “That whole story got blown a little out of proportion.”
Obama complimented the football team for remaining focused and winning the championship “even in the midst of huge distraction during the biggest media circus of the sports year.”
The president also made fun of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s tendency to sport sleeveless sweatshirts during games.
“I’m particularly grateful that Coach decided to dress up today,” Obama said. “We had some scissors if he wanted to cut the sleeves off. Formal hoodies are allowed.”
Famed Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who Obama touted as “an all-time great” during the ceremony, skipped out on the Washington, D.C., trip to keep a prior family commitment, as ESPN NFL Nation reporter Mike Reiss confirmed on Twitter Thursday morning.
Tom Brady is not attending today’s White House ceremony due to a family commitment.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 23, 2015
Perhaps Brady was bitter about the joke White House press secretary Josh Earnest made about him back in January.
Obama also called out tight end Rob Gronkowski during his remarks.
“He’s not making rabbit ears back there, is he?” Obama said of Gronk. “I told him to keep his shirt on. He asked me what would happen if he took it off. I said Secret Service probably wouldn’t like it. He said, what could they do to me?”
GRONK at the White House. @Patriots pic.twitter.com/0Fm6yTfPOL
— James Robert Carroll (@JRCarrollNews) April 23, 2015
In the conclusion of his remarks, Obama expressed his congratulations to the Patriots, urging the NFL team to “share” some wins with his favorite football squad.
“I just wish the city of Boston would share some of those titles you keep winning with Chicago,” Obama explained. “I’m hoping that I get to see the Bears before I leave here.”
Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman appeared to enjoy his trip to the White House, posting a photo of himself shaking hands with Obama on his Instagram account.
