Saquon Barkley, the star running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, has made it clear that he will not be serving on President Donald Trump’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, despite being named as one of its members. During a press conference at the team’s training camp, Barkley revealed that his team had already rejected the invitation several months ago, citing his busy schedule and a desire to focus on his personal and family commitments. He expressed surprise at the sudden mention of his name in connection with the council, calling it a “little shocking” moment.
President Trump reestablished the council via an executive order signed on July 31, which also revives the Presidential Fitness Test. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address the “widespread epidemic of declining health and physical fitness” in America. Trump’s announcement included a list of prominent athletes and figures, including New York Giants Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Among those named was Barkley, who, despite the invitation, chose not to accept the position. His decision underscores a growing divide between high-profile athletes and the political figurehead, even as the latter seeks to engage with the sports community through such councils.
The council includes a diverse array of athletes and sports figures, such as Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau, who will chair the council. The group will focus on initiatives such as reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test, which was first introduced in 1956 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower and later reformed under President Lyndon B. Johnson. The test included a range of physical challenges, including sit-and-reach, push-ups, and pull-ups, all designed to assess youth fitness. However, the program was retired under President Barack Obama, and Trump’s effort signals a potential revival of this approach to promote physical wellness across the nation.
Barkley, who helped the Eagles secure their first Super Bowl title in 2024, has also faced criticism for his past association with Trump. One notable incident involved him taking Air Force One back to Washington, D.C., following the Eagles’ Super Bowl win. Despite this, Barkley has publicly defended his actions, stating, “Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand.” His comments reflect a broader trend of athletes navigating complex relationships with political figures, balancing personal and professional responsibilities while managing public perception.
Although he has turned down the invitation to the council, Barkley remains focused on his career and the Eagles’ success. In the 2024 season, he led the NFL in rushing yards (2,005) and scrimmage yards (2,283), with 15 combined touchdowns. These performances earned him the Offensive Player of the Year award, First Team All-Pro honors, and his third Pro Bowl selection. As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, the team will aim to defend their championship title, with Barkley’s performance expected to play a crucial role in their success.
The council’s reestablishment has also received support from several key government officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon. Kennedy emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “We have an opportunity at being the 70th anniversary of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition to literally change the fabric of kids’ lives.” The council’s goals align with the broader mission of promoting national fitness, with a particular focus on youth development and community engagement.
Ultimately, Barkley’s decision to decline the council invitation highlights both the personal and professional challenges athletes face when engaging with political figures. While Trump and his administration seek to leverage the influence of sports stars to drive national fitness initiatives, athletes like Barkley must balance these opportunities with their own priorities. As the council moves forward with its mission, the broader conversation about the role of athletics in public health and national identity continues to evolve.