Obama had plenty of jokes for the Patriots during their White House visit

The New England Patriots celebrated their Super Bowl victory with Barack Obama at the White House and the president had plenty of jokes.

One of the perks of being the President of the United States is you get to roast famous athletes when they come to the White House to celebrate their championships. 

Barack Obama honored the Patriots at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue on Thursday and didn't pull any punches.

Obama: "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"

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 23, 2015

Belichick thumbs down to deflategate joke #Patriots #WBZ pic.twitter.com/FECsKlzjNy

— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) April 23, 2015

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Obama said he told Gronkowski to keep his shirt on. Said secret service wouldn't like it. Gronk replied: "What can they do to me?"

— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) April 23, 2015

Obama on Butler: "Malcolm has earned a lifetime of free drinks in any bah in Boston."

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) April 23, 2015

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Obama gives Malcolm Butler a shout out. Big applause from the crowd. President looks for him. "He's small you can't even see him!"

— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) April 23, 2015

At end of ceremony, Barack Obama jokes, "With that, Bill Belichick has agreed to have a press conference. He's going to go on forever!"

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 23, 2015

Tom Brady was able to escape Obama's ribbing by skipping the event altogether. A team spokesman told NFL.com Brady had a "family commitment." He's been there before three times anyway. 

- Dan Gartland