LANDOVER, Md. – On Sunday, heightened security was evident hours before the Washington Commanders faced off against the Detroit Lions. This was due to President Donald Trump’s attendance, marking the first time in nearly 50 years that a sitting president attended a regular NFL game.

Members of the U.S. Secret Service, clad in distinctive black uniforms, joined military personnel, police, and other security officials both within and outside Northwest Stadium. Additionally, increased fencing and restricted pathways underscored the day’s elevated security measures.

Historically, only two other sitting presidents have attended regular-season NFL games: Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978. Earlier this year, Trump also made headlines as the first president to attend a Super Bowl while in office, witnessing the Philadelphia Eagles triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs with a score of 40-22.

During the game, Trump was anticipated to be seated alongside Josh Harris, the principal owner who led the $6 billion acquisition of the Commanders from Daniel Snyder in 2023.

A report by ESPN on Saturday revealed that a White House intermediary had approached the Commanders’ ownership group with a request: President Trump expressed interest in having the club’s new stadium, part of an ambitious $4 billion development project on the former RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C., named in his honor.

“That would surely be a beautiful name,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Sunday’s visit to Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, would be the latest in a series of high-profile appearances at sporting events by Trump, including golf’s Ryder Cup, auto racing’s Daytona 500 and tennis’ U.S. Open.

“We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country,” Commanders club president Mark Clouse said. “The entire Commanders organization is proud to participate in the NFL’s league-wide Salute to Service initiative, recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, active-duty service members, and their families this Sunday.”

There was friction between Trump and the NFL during his first presidential term, when he objected to players kneeling during the national anthem to protest social or racial injustice. That movement began in 2016 with then-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Via social media and other public comments, Trump insisted that players should stand for the national anthem and called on team owners to fire anyone taking a knee.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl