President Donald Trump became the first sitting president to attend a NFL regular-season game since 1978 when he showed up to the Detroit Lions ' drubbing of the Washington Commanders in Landover, Maryland on Sunday, Nov. 9.
The crowd let the 45th president know how they felt by booing him (with a smattering of cheers) while being shown on the video board at Northwest Stadium and during a halftime military swearing-in ceremony, which Trump led.
Trump also spent a few minutes of the third quarter being interviewed by the FOX broadcast team of Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma.
"It's a microcosm of life," Trump answered when Albert asked him why he loved sports. "It's sort of like life: the good, the bad, the ugly.
"You have the triumph. You have the problems. You got to get through the problems to hit the triumphs. You can never quit. You can never give up."
Standing between the two broadcasters, Trump complimented injured Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and praised backup Marcus Mariota – without mentioning their names and referring to them as "second-string" and "first-string." He alluded to the Lions' trade of Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff and said it worked out for both sides.
The broadcast showed a team photo from Trump's football-playing days, uniform No. 85, at New York Military Academy. Trump admitted he never scored a touchdown.
"I actually loved playing football ... at least you realize that I never tell a lie," Trump said.
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Donald Trump with Marla Maples at a University of Arizona basketball game at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona, on Dec. 27, 1990.
Marla Maples and then husband Donald Trump greet race driver Lyn St. James prior to the inaugural Indy 200 race at Walt Disney World on Jan. 27, 1996. Buzz Calkins won the race on the new Disney 1.1 mile tri-oval track.
Donald Trump and actor Gerard Butler watch the tennis match between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic during Day 14 of the 2009 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 13, 2009, in New York.
Donald Trump looks on as Maria Sharapova takes on Heather Watson during Day 1 of the 2011 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Aug. 29, 2011, in New York.
Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, attend a match between Rafael Nadal and Tommy Robredo at the 2013 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 4, 2013, in New York.
Donald Trump attends the middleweight championship bout between Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Geale at Madison Square Garden on July 26, 2014.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump attend the match between Serena Williams and Venus Williams at the 2015 U.S. Open on Sept. 8, 2015, in New York.
Presidential candidate Donald Trump attends the fight between Gennady Golovkin against David Lemieux bout at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 17, 2015, in New York.
President-elect Donald Trump during the first quarter of the 117th annual Army-Navy college football game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Dec. 10, 2016.
President Donald Trump waves during the second round of the U.S. Women's Open Championship at Trump National Golf Course on July 14, 2017, in Bedminster, New Jersey.
President Donald Trump speaks with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan during the final round of the Presidents Cup golf tournament at Liberty National Golf Course on Oct. 1, 2017.
President Donald Trump points to fans prior to the College Football Playoff national championship between Georgia and Alabama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta.
First lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump stand during the national anthem prior to the College Football Playoff national championship game between Clemson and LSU at Mercedes Benz Superdome on Jan. 13, 2020, in New Orleans.
President Donald Trump during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 14, 2019.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand on pit road for the national anthem as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a flyover prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 on Feb. 16, 2020.
President Donald Trump and former New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera met with youth baseball players to celebrate Major League Baseball's Opening Day on July 23, 2020.
Donald Trump looks on during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021, in Las Vegas.
Former first lady Melania Trump and former President Donald Trump hold up signs for "stand up to cancer" prior to the sixth inning in Game 4 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves on Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta.
Donald Trump plays his shot from the 16th tee during the pro-am prior to the LIV Golf invitational at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on July 28, 2022, in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Then former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd during the NCAA Division I wrestling championships at the BOK Center on March 18, 2023.
Donald Trump attends the fight between Raul Rosas Jr. and Christian Rodriguez during UFC 287 at Miami-Dade Arena on April 8, 2023.
Pat Perez shakes hands with then former President Donald Trump on the 18th green during the first round of the LIV Golf DC 2023 tournament at Trump National Golf Club on May 25, 2023, in Sterling, Virginia.
Donald Trump waves to a supporter while attending the college football game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Iowa Hawkeyes at Jack Trice Stadium on Sept. 9, 2023.
Donald Trump watches from the stands during the title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval during the UFC 296 event at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 16, 2023, in Las Vegas.
Then former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump talks with team owner Richard Childress prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26, 2024, in Concord, North Carolina.
Former President Donald Trump talks with UFC president Dana White during the fight between Cesar Almeida and Roman Kopylov during UFC 302 on June 1, 2024.
Republican presidential candidate and then former President Donald Trump raises his fist during the second quarter of the college football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
President Donald Trump sits with Elon Musk and Musk's son as they watch English fighter Paddy Pimblett celebrate winning during UFC 314 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on April 13, 2025.
First lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attend the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 championship match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, on July 13, 2025.
Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy with teammates and President Donald Trump during the award ceremony for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Champions at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025.
President Donald Trump, Karoline Leavitt, Pam Bondi and Jared Kushner stand for the national anthem prior to the men's singles final match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on Day 15 of the 2025 US Open on Sept. 7, 2025, in New York.
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in the locker room before a game against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 11, 2025, in New York.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump with Marla Maples at a University of Arizona basketball game at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona, on Dec. 27, 1990.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump with Marla Maples at a University of Arizona basketball game at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona, on Dec. 27, 1990.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Marla Maples and then husband Donald Trump greet race driver Lyn St. James prior to the inaugural Indy 200 race at Walt Disney World on Jan. 27, 1996. Buzz Calkins won the race on the new Disney 1.1 mile tri-oval track.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump and actor Gerard Butler watch the tennis match between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic during Day 14 of the 2009 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 13, 2009, in New York.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump looks on as Maria Sharapova takes on Heather Watson during Day 1 of the 2011 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Aug. 29, 2011, in New York.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, attend a match between Rafael Nadal and Tommy Robredo at the 2013 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 4, 2013, in New York.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump attends the middleweight championship bout between Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Geale at Madison Square Garden on July 26, 2014.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump attend the match between Serena Williams and Venus Williams at the 2015 U.S. Open on Sept. 8, 2015, in New York.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Presidential candidate Donald Trump attends the fight between Gennady Golovkin against David Lemieux bout at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 17, 2015, in New York.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
President-elect Donald Trump during the first quarter of the 117th annual Army-Navy college football game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Dec. 10, 2016.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
President Donald Trump waves during the second round of the U.S. Women's Open Championship at Trump National Golf Course on July 14, 2017, in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
President Donald Trump speaks with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan during the final round of the Presidents Cup golf tournament at Liberty National Golf Course on Oct. 1, 2017.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
President Donald Trump points to fans prior to the College Football Playoff national championship between Georgia and Alabama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
First lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump stand during the national anthem prior to the College Football Playoff national championship game between Clemson and LSU at Mercedes Benz Superdome on Jan. 13, 2020, in New Orleans.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
President Donald Trump during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 14, 2019.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand on pit road for the national anthem as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a flyover prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 on Feb. 16, 2020.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
President Donald Trump and former New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera met with youth baseball players to celebrate Major League Baseball's Opening Day on July 23, 2020.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump looks on during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021, in Las Vegas.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Former first lady Melania Trump and former President Donald Trump hold up signs for "stand up to cancer" prior to the sixth inning in Game 4 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves on Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump plays his shot from the 16th tee during the pro-am prior to the LIV Golf invitational at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on July 28, 2022, in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Then former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd during the NCAA Division I wrestling championships at the BOK Center on March 18, 2023.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump attends the fight between Raul Rosas Jr. and Christian Rodriguez during UFC 287 at Miami-Dade Arena on April 8, 2023.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Pat Perez shakes hands with then former President Donald Trump on the 18th green during the first round of the LIV Golf DC 2023 tournament at Trump National Golf Club on May 25, 2023, in Sterling, Virginia.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump waves to a supporter while attending the college football game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Iowa Hawkeyes at Jack Trice Stadium on Sept. 9, 2023.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump watches from the stands during the title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval during the UFC 296 event at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 16, 2023, in Las Vegas.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Then former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump talks with team owner Richard Childress prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26, 2024, in Concord, North Carolina.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Former President Donald Trump talks with UFC president Dana White during the fight between Cesar Almeida and Roman Kopylov during UFC 302 on June 1, 2024.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Republican presidential candidate and then former President Donald Trump raises his fist during the second quarter of the college football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
President Donald Trump sits with Elon Musk and Musk's son as they watch English fighter Paddy Pimblett celebrate winning during UFC 314 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on April 13, 2025.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
First lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attend the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 championship match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, on July 13, 2025.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy with teammates and President Donald Trump during the award ceremony for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Champions at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
President Donald Trump, Karoline Leavitt, Pam Bondi and Jared Kushner stand for the national anthem prior to the men's singles final match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on Day 15 of the 2025 US Open on Sept. 7, 2025, in New York.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in the locker room before a game against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 11, 2025, in New York.
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
It seems Trump has strayed from his New York allegiances as a fan of both the Giants and Jets. There was praise of one of Vilma's teammates with the New Orleans Saints, quarterback Drew Brees. As far as his game analysis, Trump harped on the importance of the Commanders' drive as they trailed 32-10.
Vilma asked him about the general health of the nation. The stock market hit an all-time high, Trump said, along with his claim that "prices are coming down."
"We're doing great," Trump said. "Just how (the Commanders) are doing right now."
Mariota hit Deebo Samuel for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 32-16 after he said that.
"I love ratings," Trump later said. "But you guys have the ratings."
Trump went on to wax poetic about Washington coaches of the past and name-dropped George Allen and Joe Gibbs.
When Albert gave Trump the opening to exit stage left, Trump replied, "I'd love to have your job."
Trump is no stranger to sporting events. He attended Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans in February shortly after beginning his second term. He was also on hand for the first day of play at the Ryder Cup in New York, the Major League Baseball playoffs and the men's final of the US Open.
Trump attempted to purchase the Buffalo Bills in 2014 and his relationship with the league while in office is a complicated one, from his bashing of the protests that took place during the national anthem during his first term to standing in the Oval Office with commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this year to announce that the 2027 NFL draft will be held in Washington D.C. ESPN reported Nov. 8 that Trump wants the Commanders' new stadium, at the former RFK Stadium site in Washington, to be named after him .
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump joins Fox broadcast during Commanders-Lions game
