Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl at the end of the 2024-25 NFL season, which meant they earned a trip to the White House, as all champions do. Of course, Barkley and the Eagles didn’t need a trip to the President’s Palace to get on the radar of Donald Trump, who has been known to be an avid sports fan.
Barkley is undoubtedly one of the best athletes in the world, and he proved it last season by rushing for an NFL-high 2,005 yards last season. Barkley’s effort earned him first-team All-Pro status for the first time in his career.
Recently, President Trump put together what’s being called a “sports council” for sports, fitness, and nutrition. Apparently, he pieced together this council several months ago, when Barkley was part of a select group of athletes who received an invitation.
Yet, Barkley declined the offer, citing a busy schedule as the reason. However, when the names of those included on the sports council were revealed, they included Barkley, which left the Eagles running back “shocked.”
“A couple months ago, it was brought to my team about the council. So I’m not really too familiar with it. I felt like I am going to be super busy, so me and my family thought it would probably be of best interest to not accept that. I was definitely a little shocked when my name was mentioned. I’m assuming it’s something great, so I appreciate it but was a little shocked when my name was mentioned.”
Saquon Barkley on sports council invitation
Other athletes included on the President’s sports council include Nick Bosa, Tua Tagovailoa, Lawrence Taylor, Harrison Butker, Jack Nicklaus, Wayne Gretzky, and Bryson DeChambeau. Hopefully, those athletes accepted the offer and weren’t surprised like Barkley was.
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