NFL’s Saquon Barkley Finds His Victory Formation in Jesus

You didn’t have to be a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles to appreciate (even reluctantly) running back Saquon Barkley’s season. The Super Bowl-winning star rocketed through defenses, racking up more than 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns in a football season that can only be called unbelievable.

Now, almost five months removed from the championship, the world is learning that No. 26’s secret weapon wasn’t his speed, toughness, or legs. It was his faith.

The NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year worked hard to get where he is, to be sure, but Barkley thinks there’s also something to be said for his recent conversion. In between holes with golfer Grant Horvat (and his 1.3 million followers) for his “Break 60” series, the two talked about the running back’s spiritual journey.

At one point, Barkley took the conversation in a more religious direction. “I’m very big in my faith,” Horvat replied. “You are as well.”

The Eagle replied enthusiastically, “Yes, I just became a Christian not too long ago.”

He paused, adding:

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the best year I had in my career, I found my faith. It gives me some clarity in life.

Of course, this wasn’t a surprise to people following the superstar’s championship season. During the Super Bowl’s media day, Barkley credited his agent—who also happens to be a pastor—for playing a key role in turning his life around.

“I’m not going to sit here and tell you that I know the Bible, like, in and out. It’s something I’m learning,” he acknowledged. “I’m challenging myself to get better at [it] with my family and my friends,” Barkley told the press. “[I’m] really lucky to have my agent [Ed Berry]. He’s a pastor, and I’m able to have Bible studies with him.”

But the dad of two wanted people to know it’s a day-to-day process.

“[I’m] just growing, and I think that’s the beautiful thing about it. And I think that’s what religion and faith is—[it’s] having a relationship with God and understanding who Jesus is, and that’s what I’ve been trying to do this year. I’m going to continue to try to get better at it.”

If it’s anything like football, he’ll find a way to push forward no matter what’s standing in his way.

And it isn’t just God that Barkley is openly embracing. In April, before the Eagles were set to visit the White House as NFL world champions, Barkley was blasted for hitting the greens with President Donald Trump. When the woke bullies tried to fault and shame him for it, No. 26 refused to back down.

“[S]ome people are really upset cause I played [golf] and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT,” he posted. “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 [of] my mentions with all of this politics and have [an] amazing day.”

The president had nothing but praise for the 28-year-old after their outing. “He’s a handsome guy,” Trump smiled. “I offered him a ride. And he loved it. He is a great young guy and an incredible football player.”

Barkley’s politics, some have noticed, have “shifted.” Back in 2019, Barkley made waves for backing anti-American Colin Kaepernick—who’s best known, not for his football prowess (he has none), but for trashing the national anthem and leading a movement of unpatriotic condemnation of the U.S.

“If a fan wants to not be a fan of me because I retweet a thing for Colin Kaepernick, I don’t care,” Barkley told the New York Daily News six years ago. “People have their own opinions,” he insisted, defending his decision to support Kaepernick. “Everyone is entitled to that. I just would hope that people respect I have a right to my own opinion, as well.”

Now, the man who hoisted his adorable daughters on his shoulders after beating the Kansas City Chiefs is embracing faith, family, and a country that has nothing but praise for Barkley’s qualities on—and now, off—the field.

In May, EA Sports cemented Barkley’s legendary status, announcing him as the cover for this year’s Madden video game. Asked if he’s worried about the curse that supposedly follows the “Madden” cover, Barkley laughed. “Nah, I’m a believer in God. That’s my mindset, to be completely honest.”

It’s a breath of fresh air after other celebrity athletes’ falls from grace. Unlike 11-time medalist Simone Biles, who torched her reputation by publicly berating girls sports advocate—and elite swimmer—Riley Gaines.

In a classless post that showed the gymnast’s true colors, Biles, a self-described Christian, suggested that anyone fighting against radical trans ideology in sports is “sick.” And while Biles desperately tried to damage control when the national outrage became too much, her half-hearted apology did little to change people’s perspectives of her extreme views.

Eventually, the pushback got to be so overwhelming that Biles didn’t come to her senses and agree to stand alongside Gaines and the other 80% of Americans demanding justice. She deleted her Twitter account.

Barkley, on the other hand, seems determined to use his platform for good. “I know so many people, so many kids that … would love to be in the position I’m in right now,” he reflected a few weeks ago. “I’ve had injuries before. I tore my knee, I stepped on a foot and rolled my ankle and was out 4-to-6 weeks, and there was no curse then,” he said, adding:

That’s just how life works. You’re gonna have your ups and downs, but my mindset is coming in, work, do what I need to do, and the rest is in God’s hands.

Originally published by The Washington Stand

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