A select few of the triumphant Philadelphia Eagles players plan to skip the White House visit because of US President Donald Trump.
The Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33 to become Super Bowl champions for the first time in the history of the franchise.
Following the game, despite Mr Trump tweeting his congratulations, one of the hot topics was if some players would attend the customary White House visit to greet the president after they had protested during the national anthem earlier in the season.
Hard hitting Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins, who raised his fist earlier in the year during the US national anthem, pulled no punches when asked about his trip to visit the White House.
"Nah, I personally do not anticipate attending," Jenkins told CNN's New Day after the victory.
"I don't have a message for the president. My message has been clear all year, I am all about creating positive change in the community where I come from. Whether that be Philadelphia, New Jersey, Ohio, Louisiana or this entire country.
"I want to see changes to our criminal justice system, I want to see us push for economic and educational advancement in communities of colour and low-income communities and I want to see our relationship between our communities and law-enforcement advance."
Earlier in the week, wide receiver Torrey Smith was reported to be planning to turn down any potential invitation to the White House, according to NJ.com.
Last September, Mr Trump slammed players for taking a knee during the national anthem sparking a wave of criticism and solidarity from NFL players.
Smith, who was one of the outspoken critics and also raised his fist during the season to show his support for the "Black Lives Matter" movement, had previously hit out at Trump's condemnation of players protesting during the national anthem.
He said the players read Mr Trump's tweets just like everybody else and are informed about what is going on in the country.
"We're not protesting the anthem. It's a protest during the anthem. I understand why people are mad, or may be offended when someone takes a knee," Smith told NJ.com.
New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks (R) is hit by Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (2R) during the second quarter of Super Bowl. Source: AAP
"My father, when he dies, is going to be buried with an American flag draped around his casket, being that he served in the Army."
Mr Trump then went on to release a statement on Sunday, prior to the Super Bowl, reminding players why they stand for the national anthem.
Defensive end Chris Long, who skipped the White House visit last year when he played for the winners New England, also shut down an invitation to visit Mr Trump.
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