The Denver Broncos visited the White House on Monday as part of their Super Bowl 50 victory lap. There were plenty of selfies, Wade Phillips dad tweets and good-natured barbs from President Obama.
Obama was quick to credit the Broncos’ defense, which carried the team to a win over the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship and the Carolina Panthers in the Super Bowl.
He specifically recognized star pass rusher Von Miller, who picked up Super Bowl MVP honors by sacking Cam Newton 2 ½ times and forcing two fumbles. Obama listed off Miller’s credentials before adding, “Not bad for a guy who prides himself on his collection of eyeglasses.”
Obama managed to get a couple jokes off at the expense of the Broncos’ offense as well. “And we can’t forget to mention the heart and soul of this team’s offensive firepower,” he said. “Kicker Brandon McManus.”
Even NFL legend Peyton Manning, who retired in March, couldn’t avoid getting roasted.
“And then there’s this guy from the commercials,” Obama said. “It doesn’t matter if you need insurance, pizza, a Buick. You basically can stock your whole household with stuff this guy is selling.”
Manning made the trip to Washington, D.C., along with a handful of other Broncos who are not on this year’s roster, including linebacker Danny Trevathan, who wasn’t thrilled to fly coach.
But not all Broncos from the Super Bowl team made the trip.
Quarterback Brock Osweiler, who unexpectedly left Denver via free agency, stayed in Houston with his new team because he said he didn’t want to miss OTAs.
Cornerback Aqib Talib was also absent. Talib was shot in the leg early Sunday morning. He was treated at a Dallas area hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. It’s unclear when he’ll return to Denver.
The Broncos begin a mandatory three-day minicamp starting Tuesday.
