PHOTOS: Patriots visit White House, get roasted by Obama
The New England Patriots visited the White House on Thursday, as is customary for the Super Bowl champions.
Even without Tom Brady, who couldn't attend due to a family commitment, the team seemed to revel in their opportunity to meet President Obama and, essentially, get roasted by him.
"I usually tell a bunch of jokes at these events but with the Patriots coming to town I was worried 11 of 12 of them would fall flat," Obama quipped.
The wisecrack drew a big laugh, but not everyone appreciated being reminded of the "Deflategate" scandal.
Belichick thumbs down to deflategate joke #Patriots #WBZ pic.twitter.com/FECsKlzjNy
— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) April 23, 2015
Most jokes were safer, including one about Rob Gronkowski being asked by the Secret Service to keep his shirt on.
Gronk reacts to President's joke about taking off his shirt #Patriots #WBZ pic.twitter.com/Nd9isdzI8T
— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) April 23, 2015
At the end of the ceremony, Obama joked that Bill Belichick would hold an impromptu press conference and finally answer the questions he typically dodges. "He's going to go on forever," Obama joked.
At the end of the event, the Patriots presented Obama with a customized jersey and a signed helmet.
Belichick, the President, and Kraft team photo #Patriots #WBZ pic.twitter.com/ihjWShWr2B
— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) April 23, 2015