Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley fired back at critics Monday after being spotted golfing with President Donald Trump at Trump’s Bedminster Golf Club. Barkley dismissed the backlash, emphasizing respect for the office rather than partisan politics.
Just hours before the Eagles celebrated their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Barkley posted on X, stating, “Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand.” Barkley reminded critics that he had recently played golf with former President Barack Obama as well and was simply honoring the presidency, not taking a political side.
Footage shared by Trump’s team showed Trump and Barkley arriving at Morristown Municipal Airport, where Trump praised Barkley, joking, “What a nice guy he is. I wanted to race him but decided not to do it.” During the Eagles’ celebratory event at the White House, Trump again complimented Barkley, calling him a “handsome guy” and “an incredible football player,” and joking about Barkley accepting a ride on Air Force One without hesitation.
Several Eagles players, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, did not attend the White House ceremony, citing scheduling conflicts. However, Barkley’s participation and public defense of his choice to golf with President Trump sent a strong message of independence from political pressure.
