{"id":265927,"date":"2025-08-06T08:48:18","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T08:48:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/265927\/"},"modified":"2025-08-06T08:48:18","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T08:48:18","slug":"saquon-barkley-shocked-to-hear-trump-hired-him-for-a-job-he-turned-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/265927\/","title":{"rendered":"Saquon Barkley \u2018Shocked\u2019 to Hear Trump Hired Him for a Job He Turned Down"},"content":{"rendered":"

Saquon Barkley, running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, was just tapped to serve on President Donald Trump\u2019s council on sports, fitness, and nutrition. There\u2019s only one problem: Barkley turned the job down months ago. <\/p>\n

Barkley, 28, said he was offered a spot on the council \u201ca couple months ago,\u201d but ultimately turned it down after consulting with his family, deciding he would be too busy to take it up, ESPN reports<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"SaquonMitchell Leff\/Getty Images <\/p>\n

Then, on Thursday, July 31, Trump signed an executive order<\/a> that ratified his proposed council and reinstated the Presidential Fitness Test<\/a>. In the order, Trump outlined various hopes he has to improve the health of America\u2019s youth, recalling former first lady Michelle Obama\u2019s \u201cLet\u2019s Move<\/a>\u201d anti-obesity campaign.<\/p>\n

Trump declared that a council would partner with professional athletes to \u201cdevelop bold and innovative fitness goals for young Americans with the aim of fostering a new generation of healthy, active citizens.\u201d <\/p>\n

\"DonaldOn July 31, Trump signed a series of orders to expand on his council on sports, fitness and nutrition, and revived the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools. Anna Moneymaker\/Getty Images <\/p>\n

Trump named Barkley at a press conference as a councilmember alongside NHL icon Wayne Gretzky, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, as well as fellow football players Harrison Butker, Nick Bosa, and Tua Tagovailoa, among others, ESPN<\/a> reports.<\/p>\n

\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,\u201d Barkley said after team practice at Philadelphia\u2018s NovaCare facility. \u201cI 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

Barkley is known to be on good terms with the president and played golf with him at Trump\u2019s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, which he denied had anything to do with politics. <\/p>\n

lol some people are really upset cause I played golfed and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT. Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand. Just golfed with Obama not too long ago\u2026and look forward to finishing my round with Trump ! Now ya get out my\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2014 Saquon Barkley (@saquon) April 28, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand. Just golfed with Obama not too long ago\u2026and look forward to finishing my round with Trump!\u201d he posted on X. When he did finish his round, Barkley got flown out to Washington, D.C. with Trump by Marine One.<\/p>\n

Barkley joined other Eagles players in a visit to the White House to celebrate the team\u2019s 2025 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LIX. <\/p>\n