Basketball legend and Philadelphia Eagles superfan Charles Barkley has sent shockwaves through the sports world with a heartfelt and hilarious claim: Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley is officially part of the Barkley clan! In a recent interview on Pardon My Take, the NBA Hall of Famer couldn’t contain his excitement about the explosive athlete who shares his last name, playfully declaring, “Saquon was a gift from heaven. I can’t wait to meet him. I’ve never met my cousin. He’s a Barkley. If you’re that good as a Barkley, I’m gonna claim you!”
Saquon Barkley, fresh off a transformative first season with the Philadelphia Eagles, has not only won over the city of brotherly love but also earned the boisterous endorsement of one of its most iconic sports figures. After spending six seasons with the New York Giants, Saquon made the leap to Philly, where he erupted for a jaw-dropping 2,000 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in just 16 games. His historic performance helped propel the Eagles to a thrilling Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, cementing his status as a Philly hero.
The Eagles wasted no time rewarding their star running back for his record-shattering season. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team signed Saquon to a groundbreaking two-year, $41.2 million contract extension on March 4, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The deal, which includes $36 million fully guaranteed and the potential for an additional $15 million in incentives, marks Saquon as the first running back to earn over $20 million per year. In a rare move, the Eagles extended Saquon just one year into his original three-year contract, a testament to his unparalleled impact on the field.
Eagles are rewarding Saquon Barkley with a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension that makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history, per sources. The deal makes Barkley the NFL’s first $20 million+ per-year running back. Barkley also has the ability to earn an… pic.twitter.com/h5iEf5IWe2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles’ official statement summed it up best: “He keeps making history‼️ Saquon Barkley is the FIRST Eagles offensive player to join the 99 Club!” This elite honor, reserved for players rated 99 overall in the Madden NFL video game, underscores Saquon’s dominance and his place among the NFL’s all-time greats.
He keeps making history‼️ Saquon Barkley is the FIRST Eagles offensive player to join the 99 Club! pic.twitter.com/foVEGDdlpN
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) June 2, 2025
For Charles Barkley, Saquon’s success is more than just a reason to cheer—it’s a matter of family pride. The outspoken television icon, known for his larger-than-life personality on TNT’s Inside the NBA, has embraced Saquon as a “cousin” with open arms, delighting fans with his trademark humor. As Philly celebrates its Super Bowl triumph and Saquon’s historic achievements, Charles Barkley’s enthusiastic welcome adds a heartwarming chapter to this incredible story. One thing’s for sure: the Barkley family reunion, whenever it happens, is going to be one for the ages!