Exactly a month after his big win at Super Bowl LIX, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was honored with a key to the City of Allentown and a proclamation from Whitehall Township Mayor Joseph Marx. The honors were for his role in the Birds’ victory at Super Bowl LIX.
It was another month and another Sunday of celebrations for the running back, who was welcomed by about 9,000 fans at the PPL Centre in Allentown. The turnout was so impressive that the event tickets quickly sold out, crashing Ticketmaster within minutes.
The electric atmosphere was a sea of green: a thrilling, well-deserved homecoming that was reflective of Allentown’s love for their favorite Eagles star. Indeed, Sunday afternoon at PPL Centre lived up to the name, Allentown’s Mayor, who declared it Saquon Barkley Day.
However, Allentown had more than a warm reception for their hero; they had presents in both cash and kind. Fifty percent of ticket sales from the event would be supporting the Michael Ann and Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation – a nonprofit named after Saquon and his grandmother, dedicated to helping kids through education, mentorship and community support.
The overwhelmed Eagles’ star was grateful for the love and support from Allentown, referencing his parents as the foundations of his accomplishments.
“The love and support you guys have shown me in the Lehigh Valley has been tremendous, and I know I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish the things I’ve accomplished so far in my career without the love and support from you guys,” said Saquon Barkley.
“I always try to treat people with respect and try to be kind, and it starts with these two. It starts with my mom, my dad. I’m very fortunate and blessed.”
This came just a few days after he was rewarded with a bumper contract by the Eagles for his historic season with the team that culminated in their Super Bowl conquest. The huge contract made Barkley the first NFL running back to earn more than $20 million per year.
“Overflow! Grateful for the Eagles Organization , grateful for my team, grateful for the amazing fans in Philly. Fly Eagles Fly,” Barkley posted to X on Tuesday.
All of these honors were telling of Saquon Barkley’s contributions to the Philadelphia Eagles, having one of the best ever seasons by a running back, as he rushed for 2,504 yards over the regular season and postseason – a performance that helped him break the single-season record held by Terrell Davis.
