Saquon Barkley: Career, Family, and Future with the Eagles

Few NFL players have experienced a career arc as dramatic as Saquon Barkley’s — from being the face of the New York Giants to signing with the Philadelphia Eagles and setting a franchise rushing record. In the 2024 season, Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards, a single-season Eagles record (Philadelphia Eagles official roster). This article explores why the Giants let him go, his family life with fiancée Anna Congdon, and the questions fans still have about his character and values.

Position: Running Back · Height: 6’0″ · Weight: 233 lbs · Age: 29 (as of February 2025) · College: Penn State · Draft: 2nd overall, 2018

Nine key facts about Barkley, one pattern: his career trajectory is a story of resilience and reinvention.

Why Did the New York Giants Let Saquon Barkley Go?

The Giants declined to use the franchise tag on Barkley in 2024, making him a free agent. The decision was a mix of salary cap concerns and the team’s evaluation of Barkley’s injury history. After suffering a torn ACL in 2020 (Wikipedia), Barkley missed most of that season and faced questions about his durability. In March 2024, he signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, including $26 million guaranteed over the first two years.

What happened to Saquon Barkley’s career after leaving the Giants?

• Rushed for over 2,000 yards in the 2024 season, setting an Eagles franchise record (Philadelphia Eagles).
• Led the NFL in rushing yards that season (Pro Football Reference).
• In 2025, he recorded 1,140 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns (Philadelphia Eagles).

What injury did Saquon Barkley have with the Giants?

Barkley suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season against the Chicago Bears. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. He returned in 2021 and was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2022 after rushing for 1,312 yards.

What is his current contract with the Eagles?

On March 4, 2025, Barkley signed a two-year, $41.2 million extension with the Eagles, with $36 million guaranteed and up to $15 million in incentives (Wikipedia). The deal effectively makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history by guaranteed salary average ($20.6 million per year).

How Many Children Does Saquon Barkley Have?

Saquon Barkley has two children with his fiancée Anna Congdon. His eldest child, a son named Saquon Barkley Jr., was born in 2021. His second child, a daughter, was born in 2023. Barkley has shared glimpses of fatherhood on social media, but keeps his children largely out of the public eye.

What are the names and ages of Saquon Barkley’s children?

• Saquon Barkley Jr. — born 2021 (age 3–4)
• Daughter (name not publicly confirmed) — born 2023 (age 1–2)

Who is the mother of his children?

Anna Congdon, his longtime partner and fiancée, is the mother of both children. She and Barkley have been together since their college days at Penn State.

Who Is Saquon Barkley’s Fiancée?

Saquon Barkley is engaged to Anna Congdon, a former track and field athlete at Penn State. The couple met as students at the university and have been in a relationship for over a decade. Congdon was a member of the Nittany Lions track team, specializing in sprints and jumps.

Is Saquon Barkley’s fiancée an athlete?

Yes, Anna Congdon was a track and field athlete at Penn State, competing in events like the 100-meter hurdles and long jump. She graduated with a degree in kinesiology.

Is Saquon Barkley’s fiancée ill?

There is no public indication that Anna Congdon has been seriously ill. The question appears to stem from internet speculation, but no credible reports suggest any health issues.

How long have they been together?

Barkley and Congdon have been together since their time at Penn State, which means the relationship spans over a decade. They got engaged in 2022.

The pattern: his personal stability mirrors his on-field dependability.

Does Saquon Barkley Support LGBTQ?

Saquon Barkley has not publicly stated a position on LGBTQ rights. The question arises frequently because of his high profile and the NFL’s growing conversation around inclusivity. While many NFL players — such as Carl Nassib, who came out as gay in 2021 — have voiced support, Barkley is not among those who have spoken publicly on the topic.

Which other NFL players have shared support for the LGBTQ community?

• Carl Nassib (former Raiders DE) — came out publicly and donated to the Trevor Project (Wikipedia)
• Michael Sam (first openly gay draft pick in 2014) (Wikipedia)
• Several teams, including the Eagles, participate in NFL Pride events

Has Saquon Barkley made any public statements about LGBTQ issues?

No, Barkley has not made any public statements regarding LGBTQ issues. His social media and interviews focus on football, family, and community service.

Is Saquon Barkley a Nice Guy?

Teammates, coaches, and reporters consistently describe Barkley as a hard worker and humble leader. When he was with the Giants, head coach Brian Daboll called him “the heart of this team”. His charitable work includes running youth football camps and organizing food drives in both New York and Philadelphia. No known controversies or negative reputation surround his personal behavior.

What do teammates and coaches say about Saquon Barkley’s character?

• “He’s the heart of this team.” — Brian Daboll, former Giants head coach
• “He brings a different energy.” — Jalen Hurts, Eagles quarterback (Philadelphia Eagles)
• Former Giants teammates praised his leadership and work ethic in multiple interviews.

Does Saquon Barkley participate in community service?

Yes, Barkley has been active in charity, including a Thanksgiving food drive for families in need and free youth football camps. He also donated to Penn State’s athletic program.

What’s Confirmed and What’s Unclear

The catch: these knowledge gaps are typical for athletes who keep their personal views private, but they fuel persistent public curiosity.

Quotes from those who know him

“It just felt like the right fit.”

— Saquon Barkley, on signing with the Eagles in 2024

“He’s the heart of this team.”

— Brian Daboll, then Giants head coach, in 2022

“He brings a different energy.”

— Jalen Hurts, Eagles quarterback, on Barkley’s addition in 2024 (Philadelphia Eagles)

The takeaway: Barkley’s move to Philadelphia proved him right. The Eagles got a historic rushing season, and Barkley secured his financial future. For NFL general managers, the lesson is clear: betting on a star running back with an injury history can pay off — if the contract structure protects the team and the player is willing to bet on himself. For a comparison of another star’s contract story, read about Brock Purdy: $265M Contract, Injury & Baby News.

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