President Donald Trump issued a statement Sunday in the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX, both noting the achievement of the teams and offering condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the New Year's Day terrorist attack on New Orleans' Bourbon Street.
Here's his full statement, as reported by WSB-TV in Atlanta:
"I look forward to joining the fans in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX to cheer on two great teams—the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles—as they battle for the National Football League’s Vince Lombardi Trophy.
"The coaches, players, and team staff on the field tonight represent the best of the best in professional football, but they also embody the best of the American Dream. Their hard work, dedication, and tenacity is admirable, and their individual journeys are as inspiring as the drive and determination that has led them to this extraordinary moment. They also represent the hopes and dreams of our Nation's young athletes as we restore safety and fairness in sports and equal opportunities among their teams.
"Football is America's most popular sport—for good reason—it fosters a sense of national unity, bringing families, friends, and fans together and strengthening communities. This annual tradition transcends our differences and personifies our shared patriotic values of family, faith, and freedom heroically defended by our military service members, law enforcement officers, and first responders. We value their devotion to protecting our great Nation and salute their selfless service.
"This year, the Super Bowl returns to the Caesars Superdome for a record-setting 8th time. While thousands of fans from across our Nation gather in New Orleans to cheer on their favorite team, we remember that 14 families will be missing a loved one who was tragically murdered during a senseless terrorist attack while celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street. Our thoughts are also with the 35 individuals injured during the attack whose lives were changed forever that fateful night, and our prayers will remain with them for continued strength, comfort, and healing.
"Tonight, we look forward to a terrific game and the crowning of the Super Bowl Champions. Melania joins me in sending our best wishes for a great Super Bowl Sunday. May the best team win, and may God bless you, your family, and the United States of America."
Trump will be the first president in office to attend a Super Bowl.
After flying from Florida to New Orleans, the Republican president was expected to meet participants in the honorary coin toss, including relatives of victims of a New Year's Day terrorist attack in the city's historic French Quarter, as well as members of the police department and emergency personnel.
Trump, who attended the Super Bowl in 1992, thinks the Chiefs will win, with Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes the difference-maker.
"I guess you have to say that when a quarterback wins as much as he's won, I have to go with Kansas City," Trump said in an interview with Fox News' Bret Baier that aired on the pregame show. Trump said Mahomes "really knows how to win. He's a great, great quarterback."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Nick Koutsobinas ✉
Nick Koutsobinas, a Newsmax writer, has years of news reporting experience. A graduate from Missouri State University’s philosophy program, he focuses on exposing corruption and censorship.
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