Saquon Barkley rejects invitation to Trump's Sports Council amid scheduling conflicts
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Aug 05, 2025, 23:07 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles' star running back, has declined an invitation to join former President Donald Trump's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, citing scheduling conflicts and a lack of familiarity with the initiative. Barkley's decision comes after his previous appearances with Trump sparked debate, with the player emphasizing respect for the office over partisanship.
Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley has declined an invitation to join former President Donald Trump’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, a federal advisory group recently reestablished under a new executive order.
Speaking after practice on Monday, Barkley confirmed he had turned down the offer weeks ago, citing scheduling conflicts and a lack of familiarity with the initiative. The council, which dates back to 1956, has traditionally promoted physical activity and health among Americans and was recently reinvigorated by Trump alongside the return of the Presidential Fitness Test for children.
“A couple 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 am going to be super busy. Me and my family thought it would probably be of best interest to not accept that. I was definitely a little shocked when my name was mentioned.”
Barkley, who led the league with 2,005 rushing yards last season and was named the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year, had been listed among several high-profile nominees for the council. Other names reportedly under consideration included golfers Bryson DeChambeau and Nelly Korda, WWE executive Paul “Triple H” Levesque, football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, and former New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera.
Trump announced the re-launch of the Presidential Fitness Test and sports council last week during a press event in Florida. The test, a longtime component of American physical education programs, evaluates children’s endurance, strength, and flexibility through activities such as sit-ups, a one-mile run, and stretching. It was phased out during the Obama administration and replaced with a broader wellness-based approach.
“This is a wonderful tradition, and we’re bringing it back,” Trump said, calling the test “a vital part of building strong young Americans.”
Barkley’s connection to Trump has drawn attention in recent months. In April, he visited the former president at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, and later traveled with him aboard Air Force One and Marine One to attend a White House ceremony honoring the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory. While several teammates, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, declined to attend the event, Barkley’s presence sparked debate on social media.
In response to criticism, Barkley emphasized that his appearances with both Trump and former President Barack Obama were based on respect for the office, not partisanship.
“Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand,” Barkley wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Despite his public association with national figures, Barkley appears focused on the upcoming NFL season. With training camp underway, he reiterated his commitment to the Eagles and downplayed any political motivations behind declining the council role.
“I appreciate being considered,” he said, “but my priority right now is football.”
Speaking after practice on Monday, Barkley confirmed he had turned down the offer weeks ago, citing scheduling conflicts and a lack of familiarity with the initiative. The council, which dates back to 1956, has traditionally promoted physical activity and health among Americans and was recently reinvigorated by Trump alongside the return of the Presidential Fitness Test for children.
“A couple 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 am going to be super busy. Me and my family thought it would probably be of best interest to not accept that. I was definitely a little shocked when my name was mentioned.”
Barkley, who led the league with 2,005 rushing yards last season and was named the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year, had been listed among several high-profile nominees for the council. Other names reportedly under consideration included golfers Bryson DeChambeau and Nelly Korda, WWE executive Paul “Triple H” Levesque, football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, and former New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera.
Trump announced the re-launch of the Presidential Fitness Test and sports council last week during a press event in Florida. The test, a longtime component of American physical education programs, evaluates children’s endurance, strength, and flexibility through activities such as sit-ups, a one-mile run, and stretching. It was phased out during the Obama administration and replaced with a broader wellness-based approach.
“This is a wonderful tradition, and we’re bringing it back,” Trump said, calling the test “a vital part of building strong young Americans.”
Barkley’s connection to Trump has drawn attention in recent months. In April, he visited the former president at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, and later traveled with him aboard Air Force One and Marine One to attend a White House ceremony honoring the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory. While several teammates, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, declined to attend the event, Barkley’s presence sparked debate on social media.
In response to criticism, Barkley emphasized that his appearances with both Trump and former President Barack Obama were based on respect for the office, not partisanship.
“Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand,” Barkley wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Despite his public association with national figures, Barkley appears focused on the upcoming NFL season. With training camp underway, he reiterated his commitment to the Eagles and downplayed any political motivations behind declining the council role.
“I appreciate being considered,” he said, “but my priority right now is football.”