Cornelius Ingram has first of hopefully several visits to the White House

by JasonB on May 21, 2009 9:00 AM EDT in Philadelphia Eagles News

Eagles Rookie TE Cornelius Ingram(on the right) presents a jersey to the President.

In what is hopefully a positive sign about his character and leadership ability, the National Champion Florida Gators decided that Cornelius Ingram would be the guy to present a jersey to President Obama when the team visited the White House last month.

"No one even batted an eye when that decision was made," Florida coach Urban Meyer said earlier today during a phone interview. "Everybody was thinking it might be (Tim) Tebow or (Brandon) Spikes, but C.I. was so respected among the players that everybody was fine with that."

Ingram said he was very nervous when meeting the president.

"That was the best experience I ever had," Ingram said. "Sorry to say, I almost forgot his name was up there because I was so nervous. My hands went to sweating and I had to present him with the football as well as the jersey. As soon as I got finished, my mom called me and she was so happy. I said, 'Mom, the whole time he was talking I was so nervous that the only thing I kept thinking was don't let this football slip on the stage.' I snugged it to my body. It was definitely a great experience ... the best experience I ever had."

Now that he's done it once, he probably won't be so nervous next time he gets to visit the White House as a champion...

Seriously though, I think it does show something about how highly Ingram was thought of amongst his teammates for him to be given the honor of presenting the jersey.

Video of Ingram presenting the jersey after the jump.

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great

a great accomplishment, i think that this definitely shows a lot about ingram’s character. to be considered a respected leader of a team as a TE seems to be a pretty rare thing as mentioned in the article, that opportunity usually goes to the QB.

by BwH_ on May 21, 2009 9:08 AM EDT reply actions

He seems a good guy with good character

Unlike that Steeler Douche Bag

"When you get that nice celebration coming into the dugout and you’re getting your ass hammered by guys — there’s no better feeling than to have that done." Matt Stairs

by JerseyJay on May 21, 2009 9:34 AM EDT reply actions

What I don’t get about the Steelers thing is that Harris seems like he’s saying “He’s only inviting us because we won the Superbowl. He doesn’t really care about the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’d have invited Arizona if they won.”

YES! That’s exactly what’s going on…it’s an honor for winning the championship, it doesn’t mean that the President is a fan of the team. His objection to it just seems crazy — more crazy than if he had objected on political grounds.

(Example, the Phillies also got invited, and Obama is known to be a huge White Sox fan — and I think he invited them too, just because he could)

I wonder if I can bill Jeff Lurie and Peter Angelos for the years of therapy their teams are going to put me through.

by BrianS on May 21, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah I laughed at that too… What a revelation Harrison! That’s the whole friggin point of the visit. The winners get to go meet the president. That’s how it works.

Bleeding Green Nation - Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on May 21, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

That guy is such an idiot. “He’d have invited Arizona if they won.” Well, no sh*t, Sherlock. You’re a frickin genius.

You get invited to the White House, I don’t care who’s is President or what your political affiliation is, you go. If the Queen Mother invites me for tea, I’m going, even though I’m an American. It’s an honor. Simple as that.

by doubleh on May 21, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Well Harrison at least is consistent. He skipped the White House visit when they won a few years ago as well.

Bleeding Green Nation - Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on May 21, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions

This is actually great news I think.

The fact that with Tebow on the team, Ingram was the one put forth says a lot. Now, I’m guessing Tebow isn’t a huge Obama fan, but you would still think he would be the front and center man. It seems we not only got a great athlete, but a solid character guy too. Can’t wait to see him out there.

by NOLACuse on May 21, 2009 10:32 AM EDT reply actions

C.I is gonna be the starter over Celek

during the second half of the season. This guy seems to be the complete package. We all know he can catch and recently there was news that he impressed the coaches with his blocking. Add his character and leadership qualities, he should be the best tight end on the team.

Taking Route 36 will bring you to Touchdown,PHI

by Route36 on May 21, 2009 11:04 AM EDT reply actions

maybe

it’d be great if he can live up to all these expectations. it’s hard to say so much about the “Big 3” rookies, and it makes it really hard to believe that Ingram was drafted 5th round. i know the injury and everything should be over and done with, at least thats what most of us hope.

and thats all we can do right now, hope that these guys will become the future of the organization.

by BwH_ on May 21, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions