After six seasons with the New York Giants, during which he earned two Pro Bowl nods, Saquon Barkley made headlines by signing a $37.75 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason. He’s been worth every penny, seriously challenging the single-season rushing record and leading the Eagles to the NFC Championship Game.
The former Penn State Nittany Lions RB grew up in the Bronx in New York and had a tough childhood, but his parents gave him the right values that helped him grow and excel into a premier athlete.
Who Are Saquon Barkley’s Mom and Dad?
Barkley was one of five children born to Alibay Barkley and Tonya Johnson. In 2001, after being homeless for most of the year, his parents decided to move to Bethlehem, Pa., in search of a better environment for their children.
This move was a turning point in shaping Saquon’s life and career. Alibay and Johnson have always supported their son’s athletic pursuits, providing a stable and nurturing environment that allowed him to thrive and realize his potential.
In a 2023 interview with The Athletic, Saquon said: “I’ve been homeless before. I was probably six or seven and we got evicted. I bounced around. Having the support of family and friends helped us, and that got us back on our feet.”
Alibay, Saquon’s father, comes from a family with a strong boxing background. He was a boxer in his younger days, and this influence of mental and physical toughness can be seen in Saquon’s approach to football.
Saquon’s father made headlines in June for an unfortunate incident involving law enforcement. He was reportedly found with a loaded weapon in his vehicle while driving in the Bronx. Alibay, who claimed the gun belonged to his wife for safety reasons, was taken into custody.
Saquon’s mother, Johnson, has maintained a low profile, but her philanthropic work is known within the community. She was often present at the MetLife Stadium alongside her husband, supporting Saquon and the Giants. She has been a constant source of support for Saquon throughout his career.
When Saquon was making a comeback after a neck injury in 2022, Johnson said: “I’ve been there from the beginning to now, and just to see his consistency and determination to get back on that field and all the hard work that he put in trying to get his body right as well as his mind right, ’cause once your mind is right then your body will focus along with it tremendously proud of him.”
Saquon Barkley’s Family
Family has always been at the core of Barkley’s life. He shares two children with his longtime girlfriend, Anna Congdon, whom he met while attending Penn State University.
The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Jada, in April 2018, just days before Saquon was drafted into the NFL.
MORE: Get To Know Saquon Barkley’s Longtime Girlfriend, Anna Congdon
Their second child, Saquon Jr., was born in Sept. 2022. While the demands of his NFL career take a toll on family time, Saquon Sr. is a dedicated father who cherishes the time spent with his family.
Whether it’s walking the red carpet with Jada or sharing quiet moments at home, Saquon’s love for his family is paramount in everything he does.
Cowboys-Eagles Week 1 Preview and Prediction
The Eagles and Cowboys will have their juices flowing on Thursday night in Philadelphia, as both teams enter the 2025 season with high expectations. Head coach Nick Sirianni will be tasked with leading a title defense charge, as opposing teams will have the Eagles circled on their calendars with hopes of taking down the reigning champion.
Dallas has been in the headlines recently, as they dealt away superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers after deciding not to pay him top-of-the-line money despite his two All-Pro honors in four seasons. They got back three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who will aid in helping against the run.
That has been a significant deficiency for the Cowboys in recent years, as they allowed 137.1 rush yards per game (17th in the league) last season and 112.35 yards per game in 2023. That’s precisely where Philadelphia excels offensively, as they were second in the NFL last season in rushing for 179.3 yards per game.
Star running back Saquon Barkley is back after a banner 2024 campaign: 345 carries, 2,005 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He capped it off by running for 442 yards in the Eagles’ postseason run.
It’s hard to see a complete flip in the run-stopping abilities for Dallas, potentially spelling doom for them as the game wears on. Offensively, for the Cowboys, they’ll be heavily reliant on quarterback Dak Prescott and the pass game. Their running back room, headlined by former Denver Broncos’ Javonte Williams, is arguably the weakest unit on the roster.
Meanwhile, the wide receiver room has the potential to be the strongest, as they’ll trot out a star-studded duo of CeeDee Lamb (1,194 yards, six touchdowns last season) and newly acquired wide receiver George Pickens (900 yards, three touchdowns with the Pittsburgh Steelers).
Across from them will be a capable secondary in second-year cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Both were key pieces in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run and will be expected to step up even more with a second year in the organization. The Eagles’ wide receiver duo is no slouch as well. AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith combined for 1,912 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, giving quarterback Jalen Hurts two Pro Bowl-caliber receivers to throw to.
Throughout this game, several intriguing matchups are present. But looking beyond that at the overall depth between the two teams, Philadelphia wins out in a landslide. They’re far better in the trenches on both sides of the ball, have a much more talented secondary, and have potentially the best running game in the NFL.
The Eagles will open the season with a healthy dose of Barkley carries, running all over an undermanned Cowboys run defense. In front of a home crowd, Philadelphia runs away with this one in the second half.
Prediction: Eagles 27, Cowboys 13
