It turns out a birthday won’t be the only thing Saquon Barkley will have to celebrate this weekend. According to People, the Eagles running back recently got engaged to his longtime girlfriend and fellow Penn State grad Anna Congdon.
“I can’t be the athlete I am and have the success I have in my career without the help of her,” Barkley, 27, told People. “She’s been super helpful and always has my back, not only in football but throughout life there’s a lot that goes on. But as we continue to grow and mature and go through life together, we continue getting closer and continue to get even better.”
There were no details on how or when exactly it happened — and neither Barkley nor Congdon has posted anything specific about the engagement on social media revealing more behind-the-scenes details.
Congdon can often be seen on the sidelines at Eagles games, along with her and Barkley’s two children, Jada, 6, and Saquon Jr., 2. — even though Jada’s pregame handshake with her father typically steals the show.
Barkley and Congdon have been dating since 2016, according to People, when they were students at Penn State and attended the Pi Kappa Phi winter formal that year. Congdon shared a photo with the caption, “he’s alright on the field but you should see him on the dance floor.”
Congdon is from Forest City, Pa., in the northeast section of the state, above Scranton, and according to People was a high school athlete, starring on the Forest City Regional High School girls basketball team.
“I’d be naive to think that I’ve made it and all the stuff that we are able to accomplish this year was all alone and by myself,” Barkley added.
Barkley and the soon-to-be Mrs. Barkley are now down in New Orleans preparing for a big week. Not only is Sunday the Super Bowl, it’s also Barkley’s 28th birthday. And he’s a finalist for the NFL’s MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards that will be handed out this week. Add to that an engagement, and this might be one of the biggest week’s of Barkley’s life — especially if the Birds bring home the Lombardi Trophy Sunday.