Who Are Saquon Barkley’s Parents? A Look at the Family Behind the Eagles Running Back

Saquon Barkley’s journey from the Bronx to NFL star did not happen by chance. Behind the Philadelphia Eagles running back’s remarkable story of success is a family that managed through homelessness, poverty, and uncertainty in order to give their children a better life.

The $37.75 million man who’s been tearing up defenses and chasing rushing records this season credits much of his success to the values instilled by his parents, Alibay Barkley and Tonya Johnson. Their decision to uproot the family from New York City and move to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 2001 changed everything for young Barkley, who was one of five children in the family.

That move came after the family spent most of 2001 homeless, bouncing from place to place with nowhere to call their own. Barkley has been open about those difficult times, sharing in a 2023 interview with The Athletic that he was only six or seven when they got evicted.

Who is Saquon Barkley’s Mom?

Tonya Johnson has been there for her son since the very start. While she hasn’t made the news waving his jersey around like other NFL parents, those who know her can attest to how important she has been to her son’s development as both an athlete and a person.

Johnson was often present at MetLife Stadium, seeing Barkley do what he does best, sitting right by his father, Alibay.

When Saquon had a neck injury in 2022, Johnson shared she watched her son, who loved to compete, work hard to recover his body and mind.

“I’ve been there from the beginning to now, and just to see his consistency and determination to get back on that field and all the hard work that he put in trying to get his body right as well as his mind right, ’cause once your mind is right then your body will focus along with it tremendously proud of him”, said Tonya in an interview in 2022.

In addition to football, the mother, Tonya Johnson, has quietly impacted the community through her learning to make a serve in philanthropy and assisting others.

Who is Saquon Barkley’s Dad?

Alibay Barkley, the father of Saquon Barkley, was raised in a boxing family and also fought early on in life.

Like Tonya, Alibay was a fixture at MetLife Stadium during Saquon’s time with the Giants, as they made the long drive, no matter the weather, each week.

Unfortunately, Alibay made the news this past June when he was arrested in the Bronx after police found a loaded firearm in his car. Alibay indicated to officers that the gun belonged to his wife and was for protection.

He was placed into custody, and that is all we know about the case because not much has been public beyond the arrest itself.

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