Eagles running back Saquon Barkley said he did not accept President Donald Trump\u2019s invitation to serve on his council on sports, fitness and nutrition as part of the newly signed executive order to restore youth physical fitness across the United States.<\/p>\n
Barkley told reporters after Monday\u2019s practice that he was \u201cshocked\u201d to find out that his name was mentioned, and that he declined the opportunity after speaking with his family.<\/p>\n
\u201cA couple months ago it was brought to my team about the council. So I\u2019m not really too familiar with it,\u201d Barkley said<\/a>. \u201cI felt like I am going to be super busy so 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. I\u2019m assuming it\u2019s something great so I appreciate it but was a little shocked when my name was mentioned.\u201d<\/p>\n Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles smiles during the Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp at NovaCare Complex on July 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Getty Images<\/p>\n Trump signed the executive order on July 31, and was joined by Vice President JD Vance, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. \u2014 as well as American athletes including golfing greats Bryson DeChambeau and Annika S\u00f6renstam, Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker and WWE\u2019s Triple H.<\/p>\n The council, which has 30 members, also includes NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, American retired golfer Jack Nicklaus and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. <\/p>\n President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Air Force One at Lehigh Valley International Airport, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, in Allentown, Pa. AP<\/p>\n The revitalized President\u2019s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition will create school-based programs that reward excellence in physical education and support the development of a Presidential Fitness Award. <\/p>\n It comes a few months after Barkley\u00a0hung out with Trump at the National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey and flew with Trump back to Washington D.C., on Marine One.<\/p>\n Anna Congdon and Saquon Barkley pose for photographs on the Green Carpet during the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl ring ceremony at The Battery on July 18, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Getty Images<\/p>\n He spent time with the president a day before the team\u2019s April 28 visit to the White House to commemorate their 40-22 rout of the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.<\/p>\n Barkley addressed backlash<\/a> he received at the time, saying he respects Trump.<\/p>\n