This past season, Saquon Barkley cemented his status as one of the best players in football.
In his first year with the Philadelphia Eagles, he had a league-leading 2,005 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns. He also led the league in rushing attempts (245) and rushing yards per game (125.3). That collection of stellar numbers helped Barkley secure Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Barkley’s elite season ended with an Eagles Super Bowl win. February 14th, to most, is known as Valentine’s Day. However, to the city of Philadelphia, it was the Eagles’ Super Bowl Parade commemorating the second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.
Saquon Barkley’s Perfect Season
Thanks to his elite performance on the gridiron, what often goes unnoticed is how great of a person Barkley is off the field. However, a gesture by the star running back during the parade has led to countless people taking notice of his character.
I love this: #Eagles RB Saquon Barkley spotted the team’s ball boy in the crowd and pulled him over the fence to celebrate in the Super Bowl parade.
So awesome.
(via @SamStafff, @WTTWP0dcast)
pic.twitter.com/3Nr0nl43dx— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 14, 2025
All of the prominent members of the team got to be front and center on the bus as it paraded through the streets of Philadelphia. However, Barkley noticed the Eagles’ ball boy standing with the crowd and got the bus to pull over so he could board.
Additionally, Barkley made the day of a parent, grandparent, and a young girl. Three year-old girl Lucy Bannon was standing on Broad Street with her grandmother and father on her third birthday. Barkley saw their sign and took the time to pick up the young girl and take photos for about 20 seconds.
Three year old Lucy Bannon was standing along Broad Street with her grandma, Tracy, when Saquon Barkley walked by.
He saw their sign, picked Lucy up, and took photos for about 20 seconds.
“I couldn’t believe it was happening,” said her father, Charlie. https://t.co/zRNK4JNjBa pic.twitter.com/iv106e6ZN4
— Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) February 14, 2025
Most players spend their Super Bowl parade understandably focused on having a good time with their teammates. That’s not to say Barkley didn’t embrace the moment alongside his fellow Eagles, but the fact he also ensured a less prominent member of the organization got partake in the moment and gave back to the Philadelphia community by taking a picture with a young girl on her birthday truly speaks to Barkley’s character.
Eagles fans have even described Barkley as a wholesome human being after the video of him holding the three-year-old girl surfaced. Obviously, the team is grateful to have him for all he contributes on the field.
Yet, who he is as a person and how quickly he’s immersed himself in the Philadelphia community is becoming readily apparent as well.
I hate the eagles, but God do I respect Saquan. Stand up guy.
— JOBU TOBAKI 🇺🇸 (@CombatDisciple) February 14, 2025
Even other teams’ fans, including some embittered New York Giants faithful, that don’t necessarily care for the Eagles have likely grown to respect Barkley for both his on-field exploits and classy actions off of it.