The New England Patriots did something unusual during their visit to the White House — they gave President Trump a Super Bowl ring.
The Patriots gave Donald Trump a Super Bowl ring
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
A Patriots spokesperson said that team owner Robert Kraft gave Trump the ring during the team’s visit following their Super Bowl LI win. Kraft and Trump have been longtime friends, and it was reported that the team was honored to be the first team to be invited to the White House during his presidency, according to a report from USA Today.
According to the report Trump may not be able to keep the gift, due to a measure passed in 2014 limiting the value of gifts received by presidents while in office. The value of the ring exceeds a $375 limit, which would mean it would have to be placed in the National Archives once his presidency is over.
The Patriots spokesperson said that Trump went above and beyond with his treatment of the team during the visit.
James said that of the five times the Patriots have visited the White House, this one included the best treatment — in Kraft’s eyes — by allowing the most time with the President and including the most impressive White House tour.
Previously the team visited the White House in 2015 when Barack Obama was in office, but the president was not given a Super Bowl ring during that visit. Likewise, George W. Bush was not given a ring in 2002, 2004, or 2005.
