Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, fresh off a historic 2024 NFL season and a Super Bowl victory, has another reason to celebrate: the arrival of twin babies. The 28-year-old NFL star, who has been making headlines for his on-field dominance, shared the joyful news with fans on social media today, marking a new chapter in his life as a father. The twins, born to Barkley and his fiancée Anna Congdon, have brought a wave of happiness to the couple amidst Barkley’s skyrocketing career.
Barkley, who recently signed a record-breaking two-year, $41.2 million extension with the Eagles, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram. “Blessed beyond words. Our family grew by two tiny miracles today. Thank you, Anna, for being the strongest mom. We’re over the moon!” The post included a photo of Barkley cradling the newborns, their tiny hands wrapped around his fingers, a stark contrast to the powerhouse athlete fans see on the field. Congdon, who has been with Barkley since their college days at Penn State, also shared her excitement, writing, “Our hearts are so full. Welcome to the world, our little ones.”
The twins’ arrival comes at a high point in Barkley’s career. In the 2024 season, he rushed for an unprecedented 2,504 yards, including playoffs, breaking the single-season record previously held by Terrell Davis. His performance earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award and played a pivotal role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2025. Barkley’s dominance on the field, coupled with his off-field humility, has made him a fan favorite in Philadelphia, a city known for its passionate sports culture. “Saquon’s a beast on the field, but seeing him as a dad just makes you root for him even more,” one Eagles fan commented on X.
Despite his professional success, Barkley has faced scrutiny in recent weeks. His decision to golf with former President Donald Trump before the Eagles’ White House visit in April 2025 sparked controversy, especially after old tweets from Congdon resurfaced, drawing criticism due to their biracial child. Barkley addressed the backlash on social media, defending his actions by saying he respects the office of the presidency and has also golfed with former President Barack Obama. The timing of the twins’ arrival seems to have shifted the narrative, with fans now focusing on the couple’s growing family rather than past controversies.
Barkley’s journey to fatherhood hasn’t been without challenges. He and Congdon already have a daughter, born in 2018, and have navigated the pressures of public life while raising a family. Barkley has often spoken about the importance of family as his anchor, especially during tough seasons with the New York Giants before joining the Eagles. In a recent interview on Hot Ones in April 2025, he reflected on his transition from college football to the NFL, but it’s clear his role as a father has been equally transformative. “Being a dad changes you,” Barkley said in a 2023 interview. “It gives you a purpose bigger than yourself.”
As Barkley prepares for the 2025 NFL season, he’ll undoubtedly draw strength from his expanding family. The Eagles, who have been a dominant force in the league, are set to rely on Barkley’s talents once again, especially as debates over the “tush push” play continue to swirl. On May 8, 2025, Barkley weighed in on the controversy, telling ESPN, “If you don’t like it, get better at stopping it.” With his professional life thriving and his personal life blossoming, Barkley is proving he can balance the demands of stardom with the joys of fatherhood. For now, though, the NFL star is soaking in the moment, celebrating the arrival of his twins with the same passion he brings to the game.