Saquon Barkley is used to seeing his name in headlines, but even he didn’t see this one coming.
When President Donald Trump unveiled his new Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition last week, a list of big-name athletes and sports figures came with it. Among the expected names, like Harrison Butker, Nick Bosa, Tony Romo, and Triple H, was Barkley. But the Eagles’ star running back says he never agreed to be part of the council and was just as surprised as everyone else to see his name included.
Saquon Barkley Shocked He Was Included In Donald Trump’s Sports List
According to Barkley, he never accepted an invitation, never confirmed any involvement, and didn’t expect to be listed. He admitted he was “shocked” to be mentioned and made it clear he’s not joining the council, no matter how well-intentioned the effort might be. With the NFL season on the horizon, Barkley said he’s “super busy” and fully focused on football.
“definitely a little shocked when my name was mentioned”
-Eagles RB Saquon Barkley explains his decision to decline an Invitation from President Donald Trump to be his council on sports, fitness & nutrition to restore youth physical fitness across the UShttps://t.co/3rWlAzx8sn pic.twitter.com/cnt6L5qeF7
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) August 4, 2025
“A couple months ago, it was brought to my team about the council. So I’m not really too familiar with it,” Barkley said, per ESPN’s Tim McManus. “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.”
That didn’t stop his inclusion from raising eyebrows, especially because Barkley’s name was featured prominently in the official press materials. And while it may have seemed random initially, the connection to Trump wasn’t completely out of nowhere.
Earlier this year, Barkley spent time with the president, golfing with him at one of Trump’s courses. He also flew aboard Air Force One with Trump on the way to the Eagles’ Super Bowl celebration at the White House.
Those appearances sparked online criticism, with some fans questioning his decision to associate with Trump. Barkley later responded by saying he respects the president’s office, regardless of politics, and pointed out that he’d also previously golfed with former President Barack Obama.
The revamped council, which brings back the old-school Presidential Fitness Test from decades past, is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to promote physical activity and healthy living. The initiative also comes as an alternative to expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage for expensive anti-obesity drugs.
Despite the program’s goals, Barkley is steering clear. He didn’t attend the announcement and hasn’t indicated any plans to participate in the future.
As of now, the Trump team hasn’t issued any corrections or clarifications about Barkley’s name being included. But the NFL star’s message is clear: He’s got other priorities this season, and being part of a presidential fitness council just isn’t one of them.
