Politics and the NFL have always been a volatile mix. Honestly, it’s basically impossible to scroll through a sports feed these days without seeing some kind of crossover between the gridiron and the ballot box. While some people like to think the league is a monolith of one ideology or another, the reality is way more complicated. Especially when you look at NFL players who support Trump, you find a mix of current stars, retired legends, and owners who aren't afraid of the blowback.
It’s not just about a tweet here or there.
We’re talking about massive fines, sideline protests, and even appearances at the 2025 inauguration. Most fans remember the "kneeling" era as the peak of NFL tension, but 2024 and 2025 have proven that the political divide in the locker room is as wide as ever. From Nick Bosa’s infamous post-game "stunt" to the long-standing friendships between Donald Trump and several Hall of Famers, the connection is deep.
The Nick Bosa Moment That Changed the Conversation
If you were watching the 49ers beat the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football back in late October 2024, you saw it. Nick Bosa, the Niners' star defensive end, crashed a post-game interview with Brock Purdy while wearing a white "Make America Great Again" hat. He didn't say much—he just pointed to the hat and walked away.
The league didn't find it funny.
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Ultimately, the NFL slapped Bosa with an $11,255 fine for violating the uniform and equipment rules. The rulebook is pretty strict: players can't display personal messages during game-day periods when they’re visible to the stadium or TV audience. Bosa’s response? He basically said it was "well worth it."
That moment was a lightning rod. It signaled to other NFL players who support Trump that even if the league office wasn't on board, the platform was there. It wasn't just a quiet endorsement; it was a primetime statement.
Active Players and the 2024-2025 Wave
It’s not just Bosa. While many active players keep their politics quiet to avoid locker room drama or losing endorsement deals, others have been more vocal.
- Harrison Butker: The Kansas City Chiefs kicker has never been one to shy away from controversy. Known for his traditionalist views, Butker’s support for Trump became even more visible during the 2025 White House visits. Trump even gave him a shoutout, jokingly calling him a "good-looking sucker" during an event for the Presidential Fitness Test.
- The "Silent" Supporters: In locker rooms across the league, there’s a sense that more players support Trump than the media lets on. You’ll see it in small gestures—a "MAGA" dance in the end zone after a sack or a subtle social media like.
Retired Legends and the Front Office
When you look at former players, the support is much louder. These guys don’t have to worry about league fines or losing their starting spot.
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Herschel Walker is the most obvious name here. He’s been a friend of Trump since the 1980s when he played for Trump’s New Jersey Generals in the USFL. Fast forward to 2025, and Walker has moved from a failed Senate run to being confirmed as the U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas.
Then you have guys like Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell. Both former Steelers stars were spotted at Trump rallies in Pennsylvania during the peak of the 2024 campaign. Brown, specifically, has been incredibly vocal on social media, often appearing at events and using his platform to mobilize younger voters.
Who Else Was at the 2025 Inauguration?
The guest list for Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025 was a "who’s who" of the sports world. Several NFL-adjacent figures made the trip to D.C.:
- Brian Urlacher: The legendary Bears linebacker has long been a vocal supporter.
- Antonio Brown: Continuing his streak of public appearances.
- Le'Veon Bell: Who has frequently posted about his alignment with Trump’s policies.
- Woody Johnson: The Jets owner, who previously served as an ambassador, was also front and center.
The Ownership Connection
You can't talk about NFL players who support Trump without looking at the people who sign the checks. The ownership level is where the real money flows. While the league tries to project a bipartisan image, the donation records tell a different story.
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Woody Johnson (Jets) and Jerry Jones (Cowboys) are the big names here. Jones’ spokesperson confirmed a donation to the 2025 inaugural committee. These owners aren't just fans; they are major financial engines for the movement.
But it’s not unanimous. For every owner like Johnson, there’s a Rob Walton (Broncos) or Zygi Wilf (Vikings) who has donated to more centrist or Democratic causes. It’s a tug-of-war for the soul of "America’s Team" (and the rest of the league).
Why This Matters for Fans
Look, some people just want to watch the game and eat their wings. I get it. But the crossover between sports and politics isn't going away. When a player like Bosa wears a hat, it affects how fans in San Francisco—a very blue city—view their franchise.
Conversely, in more conservative markets, these displays of support can actually boost a player's popularity. It creates a weird dynamic where a player might be a "hero" to one half of the stadium and a "distraction" to the other.
Actionable Insights: Navigating the Noise
If you’re trying to keep track of which NFL players support Trump or how politics is shaping the league, here is how to stay informed without getting overwhelmed by the spin:
- Check FEC Filings: If you really want to know where the money goes, don’t look at tweets. Look at Federal Election Commission (FEC) records. That’s where the real "support" is documented.
- Watch the "Personal Messages" Policy: The NFL’s crackdown on Bosa’s hat shows they are terrified of losing the "middle-of-the-road" viewer. Watch how they handle future incidents—it tells you a lot about the league's internal polling.
- Follow Independent Sports Reporters: Outlets like Front Office Sports often do the legwork on ownership donations and inaugural guest lists that mainstream broadcasts won't touch.
- Distinguish Between Current and Retired: Remember that retired players have a different "risk profile." When a Hall of Famer speaks out, it’s usually personal conviction. When an active player does it, they are often risking their locker room chemistry.
The intersection of the NFL and the Trump presidency is a story of personal loyalty, financial interests, and a very public battle over the "standard" of American culture. Whether it’s a kicker at a White House ceremony or a defensive end with a hat, the message is clear: the jersey doesn't hide the politics.