National Football League

Obama congratulates Packers coach

Published Feb. 7, 2011 7:18 p.m. ET

foxsports

President Barack Obama has spoken with Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy to congratulate him and the team on their Super Bowl win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The White House says that Obama, who was neutral on the Super Bowl after his beloved hometown Chicago Bears got knocked out of contention, told McCarthy that "even a Bears fan" can appreciate what the victory means to Green Bay and Wisconsin.

The president asked McCarthy to pass on how impressed he was with MVP Aaron Rodgers' season. He also said he looked forward to hosting the Packers at the White House - an outcome he noted had been predicted by Packers player Charles Woodson.

The Packers beat the Steelers 31-25 on Sunday. Obama noted McCarthy's leadership in guiding the team through injuries.