Saquon Barkley Deserves Praise
A Thorn in the Side of Commanders Fans
Saquon Barkley is the starting running back for the Philadelphia Eagles and a Super Bowl LIX champion. He is arguably the most dominant and dynamic National Football League (NFL) athlete.
As a Washington Commanders fan, it pains me to praise Saquon’s greatness. He plays for a rival team and has become a thorn in the Commanders side since being drafted by the Giants in 2019.
However, I am unashamed to give credit where compliments are due. But Saquon’s play is not the only reason I’m talking about him.
Below, I’ll reveal his family background, journey to the NFL, and the professional trials and triumphs Saquon has faced in the league. Then I’ll explain how Saquon proclaimed his faith in Jesus Christ and offer advice that can help him stay committed to the Lord.
From the Bronx to Coplay
Saquon Barkley’s Family
Saquon Rasaul Quevis Barkley was born on March 12, 1997, in the Bronx, New York. He is one of five children born to his father, Alibay Barkley, and his Mother, Tonya Johnson. Alibay and Tonya’s other children are Rashad, Shaquona, Ali, and Aliyah.
Considering Saquon’s sensational play as an NFL running back, it’s no surprise the Barkleys are an athletic family. Saquon’s Uncle, Iran Barkley, was a professional champion. Similarly, Alibay trained as a boxer in his twenties.
As a result, he made Saquon participate in boxing to see if he would like the sport and continue the family tradition.
However, once Saquon decided to pursue football at seven years old, boxing became an afterthought. Alibay was okay with Saquon’s choice because he and Tonya always encourage their children to make individual decisions and learn from their mistakes.
Alibay also encourages his kids to never give up. This lesson comes from feeling like he gave up boxing due to a shoulder injury he could not afford to surgically repair.
Along with Alibay’s advice to never give up, Tonya advises her children to participate in charitable efforts, not just write a check. She believes getting involved in charitable efforts allows volunteers to experience other people’s experiences.
Rough Realities Lead to a Blessed Relocation
But what ignites Tonya’s passion for charity? Maybe the desire to serve others through charitable efforts comes from her background living in the Bronx.
She knows this part of New York comes with struggles and a rough lifestyle that many may not understand.
Tonya’s stance on charity may also come from her family enduring homelessness for six months in the early 2000s. This harsh reality forced the Barkley family to move to different parts of Pennsylvania and to settle in the city of Coplay in 2005.
Tonya and Alibay decide to move, hoping to create better opportunities for their children. While the couple planned the move, it’s God who uses the transition to help usher Saquon Barkley into his professional destiny.
Genesis 12:1-3 supports this claim as God instructs Abraham to leave his homeland and go to Canaan. Abraham must obey to receive God’s promise to become the father of many nations.
Saquon Barkley Blossoms in PA
Whitehall High School
Similarly, moving to Pennsylvania allows Saquon to become the NFL superstar we know today. While attending Whitehall High School, Saquon was a three-sport athlete participating in basketball, football, and track.
On the football field, Saquon left his mark during a playoff match, replacing the injured starting running back. Saquon’s first carry was a 70-yard rushing touchdown.
Though Whitehall lost the game, that play made coaches and spectators aware of Saquon’s potential. He could continue to show his greatest, finishing his time at White Hall with
- 3,646 rushing yards.
- 63 total touchdowns.
- The 2014 First Team All-State Award.
- The 2014 Mr.PA Football for Class AAA/AAAA.
White honored Saquon’s play by retiring his jersey on September 3, 2015.
Saquon Barkley Helps the Nitty Lions Roar
A great High School career helped Saquon receive several scholarship offers before choosing to attend Pennsylvania State University (PSU).
As a Nitty Lion, Saquon once again proved his greatness in practice during the Lions Den Drill. Coaches were impressed by his athleticism, quickness, dominance, and willingness to score.
But, Saquon did more than simply impress spectators with his skills; he revived a wounded institution and fanbase. Saquon’s play restored excitement about PSU football as the program was overcoming the consequences of a heartwrenching scandal.
Saquon finished his career at PSU with
- a 31-9 record.
- 3,843 rushing yards.
- 43 rushing touchdowns.
- 1,195 receiving yards.
- 8 receiving touchdowns.
He also acquired numerous awards, including
- Being the 2015 Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
- Earning the Big Ten’s Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017.
- Ranking 1st in 10 offensive categories.
- Winning the 2017 Fiesta Bowl.
- Winning the 2016 Big Ten Championship.
NFL Running Back Saquon Barkley
Giant Headaches and Heartbreak
A stellar career at Penn State prompted the New York Giants to select Saquon Barkley #2 in the 2018 NFL Draft.
His first season was great, earning the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year Award with 1,370 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
Unfortunately for Saquon, post-draft concerns about the Giants not being a team capable of maximizing his skill set came to fruition. In six seasons with the Giants, the team went 25-48-1 with just one playoff appearance.
While a less-than-stellar team was part of the problem, Saquon’s health was another headache. He suffered seven total injuries during his Giants tenure, three of which were said to have a significant effect on his availability.
Along with these headaches, Saquon also experienced the heartache of being rejected by the Giants. Their rejection came by not offering the New York native a contract worthy of his play.
“Migrating” to Philadelphia
Like the ending of a relationship you want to work out, Saquon was heartbroken. However, Saquon mends his heart by signing a $ 37.75 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024.
This decision became a perfect marriage as Saquon joined a talented team striving to return to the Super Bowl.
Saquon and the Eagles achieved this goal by winning Super Bowl LIX. (After winning the Super Bowl, Saquon signed a two-year contract extension worth $41.2 million with $36 million fully guaranteed).
The journey to the Super Bowl allowed fans to witness Saquon
- Break the Eagles rushing record with 2,005 yards on 345 carries.
- Catch 33 passes for 278 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- Scoring 13 rushing touchdowns.
- Come 100 yards short of breaking the NFL single-season record.
Soaring High with Faith
Saquon Barkley Proclaims Jesus Christ
Along with nearly breaking an NFL rushing record, the 2024 season was also a turning point for Saquon’s faith. He openly proclaimed his faith in Jesus during an interview at Super Bowl LIX.
Saquon also believes it’s no coincidence that he has his best professional season to date when he begins taking his faith seriously. This may not be a surprise to Eagles fans since the organization has had a strong Christian culture for decades.
Eagles Chaplain Ted Winsley credits legendary Defensive End Reggie White, who used to lead weekly team Bible studies. For more than twenty years, Winsley has built upon White’s efforts by emphasizing
- Focusing on unity through trust and discipleship.
- Making everyone feel welcomed before they decide to receive salvation.
- Reminding coaches and players that football is a platform, not their purpose.
Advice from a Fellow Christian
As a fellow Christian, I encourage Saquon to continue maturing in his faith and discover his purpose through spiritual disciplines. Intentionally pray, read scripture, fast, and journal your journey to assess any growth and areas of improvement.
That said, remember that unlike your performance on the field, faith in Jesus Christ depends on the atoning sacrifice he’s made at Calvary, not our works.
I also urge you to continue having Bible studies with your agent and attend the Eagles Chapel services. Doing so will keep you in a stable community where you’ll be free to gain wisdom, ask questions, and admit faults without judgment.
Additionally, continue performing charitable efforts like the Turkey Drive with your mother and bringing awareness to causes like you’ve done for your niece through the 22Q Foundation. Helping those in need proves the sincerity of your faith as you minister to the “least” of these while obeying a biblical command.
More Advice
It’s also a biblical command to renew your thoughts and take on the mind of Christ. Do this by meditating on Romans 12:1-2 and Philippians 4:8-9. This will help you continue to win your struggle with overthinking and give you the mental charity needed to be the best future husband and father possible.
As Anna Congdon’s fiancé, do all you can to lead, love, and serve her like Christ does for his bride, the church. Being Jada and Saquon II’s father means everything to you. Cherish this gift by heeding Proverbs 22:6 and letting them learn from their mistakes just as your parents did for you.
Lastly, continue to give God thanks and glory every step of the way!
Does this article help you give Saquon the credit he deserves? Is there another Christian in the NFL I should highlight? Please leave a comment below. Your comments and feedback are greatly appreciated!
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