To celebrate their triumph in Super Bowl LIX, the Philadelphia Eagles traveled to the White House on Monday. One of the players who traveled was cornerback Eli Ricks, who, judging from his comments after meeting her in person, is reportedly a huge fan of Ivanka Trump.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ victory in Super Bowl LIX was more than just a culmination of a hard-fought season—it was the realization of a dream that had eluded the franchise since their last title in 2018. After a dominant postseason run, the Eagles capped off their season with a resounding win over the Kansas City Chiefs, firmly establishing themselves as the NFL’s team to beat. As is tradition, the Super Bowl champions were invited to the White House to commemorate the victory, meeting with national leaders and celebrating a moment of unity beyond the confines of the football field.

Among the players in attendance was cornerback Eli Ricks, the undrafted rookie who blossomed into a dependable starter during the 2024 season. Known for his tight coverage and physical play, Ricks was instrumental in several key defensive stands throughout the playoffs. But on Monday, his performance on the field took a backseat to his off-field charisma—particularly following a lighthearted, somewhat unexpected exchange that involved Ivanka Trump, daughter of former President Donald Trump.

Before delving into the surprising twist at the White House visit, it’s worth recalling just how improbable Ricks’ ascent has been. After a standout collegiate career at LSU and Alabama, Ricks went undrafted in 2023 and signed with the Eagles as a free agent. It didn’t take long for Philadelphia’s coaching staff to recognize his talent. Injuries in the secondary opened the door for more playing time, and Ricks capitalized on every snap.

By the postseason, he was a starting corner and one of the most reliable members of the Eagles’ defensive backfield. His interception in the NFC Championship Game helped swing momentum in Philadelphia’s favor, and he was credited with five passes defensed throughout the playoffs.

“I always had confidence in my abilities,” Ricks said in a media scrum just days before the Super Bowl. “I just needed the right opportunity—and Philly gave me that.”

That underdog story, combined with his bold personality, made him an instant fan favorite. But even those closest to Ricks were caught off guard when he shared his admiration for Ivanka Trump after the White House visit.

As the Eagles toured the White House and took part in the customary team photo with President Joe Biden, media outlets captured several players chatting with staff members and other prominent figures. Ricks was seen speaking animatedly with Ivanka Trump, who was in attendance as a guest during the celebration.

While it’s unusual to see a former First Daughter involved in the current administration’s events, Ivanka Trump reportedly attended in a private capacity—invited by mutual friends of Eagles ownership and other dignitaries connected to the event. Her presence sparked a media frenzy, but what truly went viral was Eli Ricks’ reaction after the interaction.

“She’s even cooler in person,” Ricks told reporters afterward. “I’ve followed her for a while—just admire the way she carries herself. She’s super poised, smart, and respectful. It was surreal getting to meet her.”

The 23-year-old cornerback continued: “She asked me about the Super Bowl win, and we talked a little about leadership and accountability. It wasn’t just small talk—she was really locked in. I respect that.”

Social media immediately lit up with the soundbite, as clips circulated of Ricks speaking glowingly about Ivanka, complete with a grin and a shrug that seemed to say, “What can I say?”

While some fans were amused by the unexpected pairing, Ricks’ teammates found it hilarious.

“He’s been talking about her all season—like low-key fanboying,” said Eagles safety Reed Blankenship. “We just didn’t think he’d actually get the chance to meet her, let alone chop it up.”

Wide receiver DeVonta Smith added with a laugh, “He was nervous like he was about to line up against Tyreek Hill again.”

Head coach Nick Sirianni was asked about the moment during a post-visit interview with a Philadelphia radio station.

“I had no idea he admired her that much,” Sirianni said, chuckling. “But look, I love that our guys are excited and soaking in every part of this journey. It’s not every day you win a Super Bowl and then get to meet someone you respect—politically, professionally, or otherwise.”

On social media, reactions varied. Some Eagles fans jokingly dubbed Ricks the “Ivanka CB1,” while others were surprised by his candor in such a politically charged environment.

Still, most appeared to appreciate the lighthearted nature of the moment—viewing it as a humanizing footnote to an otherwise highly ceremonial day.

Perhaps sensing the buzz, Ivanka Trump herself took to X (formerly Twitter) to acknowledge the moment. She posted a photo of her and Ricks shaking hands with the caption:

“Great meeting you, Eli Ricks. Congratulations to you and the @Eagles on a phenomenal season and Super Bowl win. Fly, Eagles, Fly!”

The post generated tens of thousands of likes and even prompted a brief exchange between her and Ricks online. The Eagles cornerback responded with a simple salute emoji and “Appreciate you!

This small digital interaction further fueled media speculation and prompted several outlets to publish light-hearted headlines such as “Super Bowl Champion Eli Ricks Shoots His Shot?” and “A Love for Lockdowns—and Ivanka?”

Ricks is no stranger to attention. During his time at LSU and Alabama, he often found himself in the media spotlight—whether for standout interceptions or outspoken confidence. But the shift from promising college player to professional athlete under the bright lights of Philadelphia has only amplified that exposure.

Still, those close to Ricks say he remains grounded.

“Eli’s always been his own person,” said one of his former coaches at IMG Academy. “He doesn’t do things to go viral—he just says what he feels, and sometimes people latch onto that. But his focus is always football first.”

Indeed, following the whirlwind of White House interviews and social media attention, Ricks quickly pivoted back to offseason prep. The young corner is expected to play an even more prominent role in the Eagles’ defense moving forward, especially with veteran departures anticipated in the secondary.

“I love all the fan stuff, the fun moments—but at the end of the day, I’m here to win games,” Ricks said in a post-visit Zoom with reporters. “It’s back to work.”

In today’s often-polarized cultural climate, the lighthearted interaction between Ricks and Ivanka Trump offered a rare moment of civility that transcended politics. While some saw it as a political statement, most interpreted it as a simple moment of admiration between two public figures from vastly different worlds.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about the visit during her briefing the following day.

“The President was delighted to welcome the Eagles and recognize their championship,” she said. “As for guests of the team and conversations among attendees, we encourage respectful dialogue and celebration—that’s what yesterday was all about.”

Political analysts noted the peculiarity of the situation but downplayed any broader implications.

“Ricks is a young athlete, and Ivanka was there as a guest. Not everything needs to be a referendum on partisanship,” said analyst Carl Richards of NBC News. “It’s nice to see a little fun amidst all the usual noise.”

As the Eagles begin preparations for the 2025 NFL season, expectations will be sky-high. With Jalen Hurts continuing to evolve into an elite quarterback and a defense full of young talent, Philadelphia appears poised for a sustained run at dominance.

Ricks, now a household name not just for his play but also for his personality, will be one of the key players to watch. His development as a lockdown corner could elevate the Eagles defense from great to elite.

“He’s got the tools, he’s got the mindset,” said defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. “Now it’s about consistency and maturity.”

When asked whether the White House visit felt like a career highlight, Ricks offered a nuanced answer.

“Honestly, yeah—it was surreal,” he said. “But it’s just the beginning. I want more moments like that. More wins. More rings. And maybe one day, another trip to the White House.”