BREAKING: Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie Reportedly Rejects NFL Pride Night Participation, Says “Focus Should Be on the Game”

In a surprising and polarizing move that has stirred both backlash and support across the sports world, Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie has reportedly announced that the team will not be participating in the NFL’s annual Pride Night initiatives this upcoming season. Speaking at a private team event, Lurie is said to have made remarks suggesting that social and political messages are distracting from the game itself.

“On the field, everyone should be focusing on the ball, not the woke,” Lurie reportedly said, according to unnamed attendees present during the meeting. “We support human dignity and equality, but football is about football.”

While no official press release has yet been issued by the Eagles or the NFL, early reports of the comment have quickly gone viral on social media, igniting heated reactions from fans, players, and advocacy groups alike.

A Sudden Shift from a Longtime Advocate

Jeffrey Lurie, who has owned the Eagles since 1994, has long been regarded as one of the more progressive voices in the NFL ownership circle. He has publicly supported causes related to racial equity, gun control, and mental health awareness, and the Eagles have frequently participated in league-wide inclusivity initiatives.

The potential shift in tone comes as a surprise, especially given the Eagles’ previous participation in NFL Pride events, including rainbow-themed team merchandise and player-led community outreach.

If confirmed, this would mark the first time under Lurie’s leadership that the Eagles opted out of an NFL inclusivity campaign.

Backlash and Support

Predictably, reaction has been sharply divided. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups were quick to condemn the remarks and call on the NFL to respond.

“It’s deeply disappointing to hear that a team owner would dismiss visibility and inclusion as mere distractions,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of GLAAD. “The LGBTQ+ community is a part of every fanbase — including the NFL’s. We belong in the stadium.”

On the other side of the debate, some conservative voices and commentators have praised Lurie’s alleged comments as a return to “keeping politics out of sports.”

“Good for Lurie,” tweeted political commentator Clay Travis. “We’ve had enough of forced symbolism. Let the players play.”

Former players have also chimed in. Ex-Eagle Malcolm Jenkins, a longtime activist and respected voice on social issues, expressed disappointment:

“Football has always been more than just a game. It’s a platform. Using that platform to lift others shouldn’t be viewed as a distraction — it’s leadership.”

NFL Yet to Comment

The NFL has not yet issued an official response, but insiders say league executives were caught off-guard by the news. Pride Night, along with other themed events like Crucial Catch (cancer awareness) and Salute to Service (military support), has become a core part of the NFL’s branding and outreach efforts.

One league official, speaking anonymously, suggested that owners are free to participate in league initiatives but that overt political statements that may alienate parts of the fanbase “are discouraged.”

Team Response and Locker Room Dynamics

As of now, no active Eagles players have publicly responded to the alleged remarks, but sources inside the locker room indicate mixed feelings.

One player, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:

“Everyone’s got their own beliefs. But this team is diverse. We’ve always supported each other regardless of background. I hope we keep doing that.”

Another player added:

“I don’t know the full context, but if it’s true, it’s disappointing. Visibility matters. Everyone should feel welcome wearing green.”

A Broader Cultural Debate

The reported comments by Lurie come at a time when the intersection of sports and social messaging continues to draw national attention. Debates around player protests, themed uniforms, and league-sponsored advocacy have become increasingly polarized over the past few seasons.

Some argue that sports should remain a sanctuary from politics, while others maintain that platforms as large as the NFL have a responsibility to reflect and support the communities they serve.

What Comes Next?

Whether Lurie will clarify or double down on his reported statement remains to be seen. Pressure from fans, sponsors, and possibly the league itself may prompt further discussion.

For now, one thing is certain: a comment that may have been intended to emphasize focus on the game has instead opened up a larger conversation about what football represents in 2025 — and who it’s truly for.