Saquon Barkley 'Almost Quit' Football. Now He's Playing in the Super Bowl on His Birthday (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Saquon Barkley.Photo:Michael DeMocker/Getty

Michael DeMocker/Getty

It’s a big day forSaquon Barkley.

The Philadelphia Eagles star turned 28 on Sunday, Feb. 9 — the same day that he’ll play in his first-everSuper Bowl.

Barkley, speaking to PEOPLE as part of his partnership withFlipz, that playing in the Super Bowl is “the best birthday gift” he could ask for. “The only thing better than that is winning the Super Bowl on your birthday,” says theengaged running back.

His birthday celebration plans have been put on hold amid the big game, Barkley shares. “It’s Super Bowl mode.”

Saquon Barkley and daughter Jada.Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty

Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty

It hasn’t been an easy journey for Barkley, and when asked what a younger version of himself would think of who he is today, Barkley tells PEOPLE, “He’d be super proud.”

“Not just being here, but the adversities and the injuries and never quitting,” Barkley adds. “And I still remember that conversation I had with my dad when I was younger and when I almost quit. He said, ‘You quit one thing in life, you’re going to be a quitter for the rest of your life.’ And that’s what always stuck with me.”

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“So I think I’d definitely be proud but also say that the goal is not just to get there and the dream wasn’t just get into Super Bowl — it’s to win it.”

Barkley will have the support of his friends and family as he and the Eagles take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

One person that Barkley, who teamed up withFlipzfor the snack’sFlipz Up Your Game Day campaignahead of the Super Bowl, credits for his success is his fiancée,Anna Congdon. The couple havetwo kids togetherand Barkley recentlyconfirmed to PEOPLEthat they’re engaged.

Saquon Barkley, Jada Clare Barkley and Anna Congdon attend the 13th annual NFL Honors.Ethan Miller/Getty

Ethan Miller/Getty

“It’s a beautiful thing,” he adds, “because we have two amazing children that we raised and we just sit back and laugh sometimes when they’re over there playing and just smile and think about where everything started.”

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will face off in the 2025 Super Bowl, airing on Fox on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. ET.

source: people.com