WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday paid tribute to the LSU football team, college football's national champions.
The president said the team will be remembered as one of the greatest in the sport's history. The undefeated Tigers visited the White House after defeating Clemson on Monday night in the playoff final.
Trump noted the team's “brutal schedule" that included seven teams ranked in the top 10. He also noted that the LSU team rallied around its offensive coordinator, Steven Ensminger, following a plane crash that killed his daughter-in-law and four others.
Trump said the team “showed the world what it means to look out for one another.” He also gave a special mention to Ohio native and Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, calling him "young Tom Brady" and also noting his charitable efforts for his Athens County home.
"You're an inspirational player and an inspirational person," the president said. "You have a heart that's incredible."
Burrow presented Trump with a special LSU jersey to mark the occasion, and said the White House visit was "a great way to cap [the season] off."