Saquon Barkley has been lighting up the NFL scene since the New York Giants picked him up in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He quickly made his impact felt as one of the league’s most-talked-about running backs. His rookie season saw him earn a Pro Bowl selection, starting 16 games for the Giants and recording 1,307 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
After six seasons with the Giants, during which he earned two Pro Bowl nods, Barkley made headlines in 2024 by signing a $37.75 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The former Penn State Nittany Lions RB (2015-2017) grew up in the Bronx in New York and had a tough childhood, but his parents gave him the right facilities and 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.
SEE MORE: PFN Life — Off-the-Field Content
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.
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.