With all the talk about Saquon Barkley and the New York Giants during this offseason, the running back has continued to be a leader both on and off the field. That standard of excellence is epitomized by his nomination as the Giants’ Walter Payton Man of the Year finalist for the second consecutive season.
“I understand that God has blessed me with an unbelievable talent along with an unbelievable opportunity to play in the National Football League and to be a person that a lot of kids look up to,” Barkley said. “I want to make sure that with the time I have playing in the NFL and on this earth, I try to make a change, try to make an impact on someone’s life and fulfill my purpose.”
Barkley’s contributions include helping raise $7 million for Covenant House New Jersey, which assists young adults facing homelessness and human trafficking. Barkley himself faced homelessness at times as a child but recognizes how the support of his parents helped him feel secure. He wants to provide that same security for others. He also partners with Children of Promise NYC to support children dealing with the incarceration of a parent or sibling, including bringing them to Giants games.
“I know a lot of people whose [parents] have been in jail,” said Barkley. I wanted to find a way where I could make an impact on them… It’s truly an honor every single time they come to the games on Sunday… just to be able to see all those smiles on those kids’ faces, they bring so much joy in my life… I’m just happy that I’m able [to do] something so small as bring them to a football game on Sunday and it can go a long way.”
Barkley’s other project is his Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation, named after his paternal grandmother. He uses the foundation to help children in many contexts, including hosting and coaching free football camps.
“I feel like a lot of times you get foundations, and they have one goal, one purpose,” Barkley said. “For Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation, what we stand for, our hope is any way we can make a change.”
Eli Manning (2016) is the only Giants player to ever win the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Barkley seeks to join him.
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