Saquon Barkley has said he turned down the opportunity to be on the national sports council after the Philadelphia Eagles star expressed surprise when he saw his name in Donald Trump’s official announcement last week.
The Eagles running back told reporters on Monday that his camp had turned down the offer months ago. Barkley felt caught off guard when his name appeared in the final list.
“A couple months ago, it was brought to my team about the council,” Barkley said. “So I’m not really too familiar with it.”
He continued, “I felt like I am going to be super busy, so me and my family thought it would probably be in my 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.”
Saquon Barkley’s national sports council backlash
Trump signed the executive order on July 31. The announcement listed Barkley alongside NFL stars like Nick Bosa, Harrison Butker, Tua Tagovailoa, Tony Romo and Lawrence Taylor.
The group also includes athletes from across the sporting world, such Bryson DeChambeau, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Nelly Korda, Wayne Gretzky, Mariano Rivera and Matthew Tkachuk.
The release also named NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, and WWE executive Paul “Triple H” Levesque.
According to the White House, the council will help shape new fitness programs in schools and revive the Presidential Fitness Award.
It will also weigh in on college sport reforms, with aims that include fixing the transfer portal and “keeping men out of women’s sports.”
The Saquon Barkley national sports council mention brought renewed attention to his ties with Trump. In April, Barkley played golf with the president and boarded Air Force One. The images sparked backlash on social media.
Barkley responded at the time with a sharp post:
“Lol some people are really upset cause I played golf and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT.
Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand.
Just golfed with Obama not too long ago…and look forward to finishing my round with Trump!”
He later joined several Eagles players at the White House to mark their Super Bowl win, though quarterback Jalen Hurts and others stayed away.
Barkley turned 28 in July and led the NFL in rushing last season. After signing with the Eagles in free agency, Barkley plans to play a central role again in 2025.
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