Saquon Barkley, star running back for the champion Philadelphia Eagles, stated this Monday that he rejected a position on the Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Council proposed by Donald Trump, President of the United States.

"A couple of months ago my team found out about this council, so I'm not really familiar with it. I thought I was going to be really busy, so my family and I thought it was probably best not to accept it," Barkley said at a press conference after the monarchs' practice for Super Bowl LIX. On July 31, the president signed an executive order to establish the council, which aims to recommend actions in school physical education programs to promote sports among the youth of this country. The player named Best Offensive Player of 2024 was surprised to see his name among the council members, who also included Nick Bosa, linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers; Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback for the Miami Dolphins; Harrison Butker, kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs and figures from other sports disciplines. "I was actually a little surprised when they mentioned my name. Still, I guess it's a great thing. So I'm grateful for it," said the three-time Pro Bowl running back and one-time All-Pro.

Before the Philadelphia Eagles' visit to the White House on April 28 to receive an honoree for their Super Bowl LIX victory, Barkley had already had encounters with Donald Trump. He played golf with the president at the National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey and then flew with him back to Washington, an action that brought him several criticisms from some followers on social media, which he defended himself against. "There are people who are very upset because I played golf and flew to the White House with the president. Maybe I just respect the office; it's not a difficult concept to understand. I played golf with Obama recently, and I'm looking forward to finishing my round with Trump. Now, leave out all this political talk," he wrote at the time.