‘A tremendous honour’: Joe McGuire meets Trump at the White House

Eddie McGuire’s son, Joe, has had a special meeting with Donald Trump at the White House where the US President congratulated his team for winning the college football championships — right before Vice President JD Vance dropped the trophy.

Joe McGuire with special teams kicker Jayden Fielding and long snapper John Ferlmann outside the Oval Office.

Australian punter Joe McGuire has shaken the hand of US president Donald Trump at the White House.

Alongside his Ohio State Buckeyes teammates, the college national champions, McGuire stood on the famous steps in Washington as Trump congratulated the entire team.

He described it as “unreal” after also being given a keepsake medal to mark the visit.

“It’s a token and can only be given out by the president,’’ Joe said.

“It was pretty cool. No phones were allowed, it was very private and we had to give our passports to security.

“We had a walk around the greem room and saw all the portraits of the presidents. Most of the guys on the team are Trump fans but love him or hate him, he is the president of the free world. It was a great experience.”

McGuire’s father Eddie, the former Collingwood president, said it was another incredible moment for the family.

“It’s amazing, a tremendous honour,’’ Eddie said.

“I woke up this morning to see he was at the White House and it’s quite incredible to think it’s been such a journey. Joe’s great grandfather fought for the Americans in World War I and my mum was an American citizen but they didn’t go.

“It’s amazing to think of the family connection, a full circle moment. It shows the wonder and joy of sport. And it all springs from kicking a Sherrin in the backyard.”

Joe McGuire, second from Donald Trump’s right, at the White House.

Trump said: “Today I’m honoured to call the Ohio State University Buckeyes national champions. You’re the national champions, and you’re standing right here at the White House. And it’s a proud day for all of us, but it’s a proud day for the Scarlet and Gray.

“This team showed the world that the road to greatness is paved by hard work, sweat and often a great deal of adversity.” He added: “I love that state, we won that state in a landslide.”

Vice President JD Vance ended the visit by nearly fumbling the national championship trophy.

He tried to lift the trophy up along with its black base and as he lifted both of them off the table, the base fell away. The trophy was grabbed by running back TreVeyon Henderson and linebacker Cody Simon, who were standing behind the vice president, while Vance bent over to pick up the base.

The team’s captains presented Trump with a helmet signed by the members of the 2024 team and a jersey adorned with the number 47 and Trump’s name.

The Marine Corps Band continued to play “We Are the Champions” at the end of the ceremony.

The Buckeyes beat Notre Dame 34-23 in the national championship game, which took place in January in Atlanta.