Saquon Barkley ‘shocked’ to be named to Donald Trump’s presidential sports council, says he won’t be participating

President Donald Trump’s White House announced Friday that Saquon Barkley would be a member of his newly formed council on sports, fitness and nutrition.

It appears that was news to Barkley.

Barkley said Monday that he was “shocked” that his name was included as a council member and that he will not be participating. The All-Pro Philadelphia Eagles running back addressed the subject with reporters at training camp Monday.

“A couple of months ago, it was brought to my team about the council,” Barkley said. “So, I’m not really too familiar with it. I felt like that I’m going to be super busy, so me and my family thought it probably was in our best interest to not accept that.

“Was definitely a little shocked when my name was mentioned, but I’m assuming it’s something great. So I appreciate it. But was a little shocked when my name was mentioned.”

The White House previously issued a news release about the council that named several prominent athletes and sports figures who would participate, Barkley included.

“The council will include executive director Catherine Granito, chair Bryson DeChambeau, Saquon Barkley, Gary Bettman, Nick Bosa, Harrison Butker, Cody Campbell, Roger Goodell, Wayne Gretzky, Nelly Korda, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Mariano Rivera, Tony Romo, Annika Sörenstam, Tua Tagovailoa, Lawrence Taylor, Matthew Tkachuk, and Mariano Rivera,” the statement reads.

None of the other athletes named have said that they won’t be participating. Taylor and “Triple H” flanked Trump during a news conference addressing the council.

Barkley, a three-time Pro Bowler who earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2024 during Philadelphia’s run to the Super Bowl championship, has previously made public appearances with Trump.

Barkley golfed with Trump in April in New Jersey, then flew with Trump to Washington D.C. and visited the White House ahead of the Eagles’ official visit to commemorate their Super Bowl victory. Barkley’s visit prompted criticism, to which he responded on social media that he respects the office of the president.

“lol some people are really upset cause I played golfed and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT,” Barkley wrote. “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! Now ya get out my mentions with all this politics and have amazing day.”