Sunday night’s Eagles–Lions matchup brought more than football star power to Lincoln Financial Field, writes Sean Collins Walsh for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, two prominent Democrats widely viewed as potential 2028 presidential contenders, met on the sidelines, adding political intrigue to the primetime spotlight.
Shapiro, an Abington native, welcomed Whitmer to Philadelphia with both governors wearing sweatshirts supporting their home-state teams. The pair mingled on the field before kickoff and, according to a Shapiro spokesperson, declined to make any game-day wagers. Shapiro later posted on X celebrating Whitmer’s visit, while Whitmer returned the friendly rivalry in her own post.
Their alliance is not new to the region. Whitmer joined Shapiro in Montgomery County last year at a rally for then–Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, where the two publicly praised each other’s leadership. Their relationship is part friendship, part emerging political rivalry, and has increasingly drawn national attention as Democratic voters look ahead to 2028.
Shapiro is up for reelection next year, and a second term would almost certainly intensify speculation about a presidential run. Whitmer has been more cautious about her intentions but continues to draw scrutiny as a swing-state powerhouse.
Learn more about the governors’ meetings at the Linc by visiting The Philadelphia Inquirer.
