Giants Coach Reflects on America's 250th Birthday

John Harbaugh shares what Americans should keep in mind as the country celebrates a major milestone.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh spoke with Fox News about what Americans should "keep in mind" as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary. Harbaugh called the U.S. the "greatest experiment in governing and the greatest experiment in society building that's ever been attempted in the history of the world." He also discussed his interactions with past U.S. presidents, including Donald Trump, and said he'll be "proud standing out there" when the national anthem plays on game day.

Why it matters

As the U.S. prepares to celebrate a major milestone in its history, Harbaugh's reflections provide an inspiring perspective from a prominent sports figure on the significance of the country's founding principles and values.

The details

Harbaugh spoke with Fox News Channel's Brian Kilmeade for a segment that aired on "Fox & Friends" and Sunday on "One Nation." The two talked at the Giants' practice facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Harbaugh said the U.S. was an unprecedented "experiment in governing and the greatest experiment in society building" when the Founding Fathers came up with the idea in 1776. He also discussed his interactions with past presidents, including Donald Trump, who had weighed in on the Giants' coaching search.

  • The U.S. is approaching its 250th anniversary in 2026.

The players

John Harbaugh

The head coach of the New York Giants NFL team.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who had weighed in on the Giants' coaching search.

Ronald Reagan

A former President of the United States that Harbaugh had previously met.

Barack Obama

A former President of the United States that Harbaugh had previously met.

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What they’re saying

“I think people should keep in mind that this is the greatest country, this is the greatest experiment in governing and the greatest experiment in society building that's ever been attempted in the history of the world.”

— John Harbaugh, Head Coach, New York Giants (Fox & Friends)

“And when the national anthem hits on game day, I'm going to be proud standing out there.”

— John Harbaugh, Head Coach, New York Giants (Fox & Friends)

What’s next

The Giants and their fans will have the opportunity to celebrate America's 250th birthday when the team takes the field for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Harbaugh's reflections on the significance of the U.S. and its founding principles provide an inspiring perspective from a prominent sports figure as the country approaches a major milestone in its history.