A viral rumor suggesting Elon Musk offered $100,000 to any Philadelphia Eagles player who publicly declines Pride Month has been widely shared online. But fact-checkers confirm: the claim is completely false. Here’s what really happened — and how players and fans are responding.
The Origin of the False Elon Musk–Eagles Rumor
Earlier this month, as LGBTQ+ Pride Month kicked off across the U.S., a claim began circulating online that tech billionaire Elon Musk promised to pay $100,000 to any Philadelphia Eagles player who publicly rejected participation in Pride Month events. The alleged quote had Musk saying it’s “time to end the WOKE era” and that athletes should “focus on the game, not the politics.”
The post was widely shared on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, especially among accounts critical of progressive social movements. It quickly caught the attention of fans, political commentators, and even some fringe news sites — sparking outrage and applause depending on the audience.
However, the claim has now been confirmed as completely fabricated.
)
Fact-Check: Elon Musk Never Made the Offer
According to FactCheck.org, there is no evidence that Elon Musk ever made such an offer to players on the Philadelphia Eagles — or any other NFL team. The rumor originated from a satirical post on a fake news website known for publishing made-up stories for entertainment.
“There’s no public statement, press release, or post from Musk’s verified accounts that supports this claim,” said a spokesperson from the fact-checking organization. “It’s a fictional story that people unfortunately took seriously.”
The Philadelphia Eagles have not responded directly to the hoax, likely choosing to avoid giving attention to baseless claims. However, several Eagles players have used the start of Pride Month to express their support for the LGBTQ+ community — directly contradicting the narrative pushed by the false rumor.
Philadelphia Eagles Players Speak Out on Pride
While the Elon Musk rumor may be false, the conversation it sparked touched on broader debates around Pride Month in sports. Some posts attempted to tie Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts to the controversy, suggesting he had “rejected” Pride Night activities. However, these claims also lack evidence.
In reality, several players have publicly acknowledged Pride Month and participated in league initiatives supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion. The NFL itself has long promoted diversity and inclusion as part of its official policies.
On June 1st, Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith reposted a message from the NFL’s official Pride Month campaign, stating: “Everyone deserves respect — on and off the field.” Other players shared the team’s Pride-themed content and messages of allyship.
Pride Month in Philadelphia Continues with Strong Support
Despite online misinformation, Philadelphia’s Pride Month celebrations have been bigger than ever. On Sunday, the city debuted a 600-foot-long Pride flag, carried by thousands during a major parade through Center City. Community groups, local officials, and fans of all ages showed up in support — including representatives from the Eagles and other local sports franchises.
Events are scheduled throughout June, including educational panels, LGBTQ+ youth outreach, and inclusive sports tournaments.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker emphasized the city’s commitment to equality: “Philadelphia has always stood for love, liberty, and inclusion. We’re proud to celebrate Pride Month and uplift the voices of our LGBTQ+ community.”
The Danger of Viral Misinformation
This viral rumor involving Elon Musk and the Eagles highlights a growing problem: how quickly fake news spreads online, especially when it plays into divisive cultural issues. Social media algorithms often favor emotionally charged content — true or not.
Experts advise readers to be cautious when encountering shocking headlines, especially those that appear on partisan pages or lack credible sources.
“There’s an entire industry of disinformation that thrives on outrage,” said media analyst Erin Lawson. “Stories like this are designed to go viral, and they often succeed before they’re debunked.”
Conclusion: No, Elon Musk Didn’t Offer Money to Reject Pride Month
The claim that Elon Musk offered $100,000 to Philadelphia Eagles players who reject Pride Month is entirely false. It originated from a satirical site and has no basis in reality. Despite the misinformation, Eagles players have shown support for Pride Month, and Philadelphia continues to lead in celebrating LGBTQ+ rights.
As online rumors swirl during culturally sensitive times, it’s more important than ever to check your sources, verify facts, and support truth over clicks.
