Saquon Barkley Declines Invitation to Trump's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition
Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley has declined an invitation to join President Donald Trump's council on sports, fitness, and nutrition, citing his busy schedule and a desire to prioritize his family. The council, revitalized under an executive order, aims to promote healthy lifestyles for American children. Barkley, who has golfed with Trump and attended the White House celebration of the champion Eagles, expressed gratitude for the invitation but felt it was best to decline. The executive order also reestablishes the Presidential Fitness Test for American children, a program that was phased out during the Obama administration.
Key Takeaways:
- Saquon Barkley, the 2,000-yard rusher for the Philadelphia Eagles, declined an invitation to join President Donald Trump's council on sports, fitness, and nutrition.
- The council, revitalized under an executive order, aims to promote healthy lifestyles for American children and includes a reestablished Presidential Fitness Test.
- Barkley cited his busy schedule and desire to prioritize his family as reasons for declining the invitation.
- Barkley has golfed with Trump and attended the White House celebration of the champion Eagles, but expressed gratitude for the invitation and a new respect for the office of the presidency.
- The executive order reestablishes the Presidential Fitness Test for American children, a program that was phased out during the Obama administration.
- The test gauged young people's health and athleticism with 1-mile runs, sit-ups, and stretching exercises.
- Barkley's decision comes after he won last season with 2,005 yards, eighth-best in NFL history, and has become a prominent figure in the sports world.
- The council on sports, fitness, and nutrition is being revitalized under Trump's executive order.
Statistics:
- 2,005: The number of yards Barkley rushed, eighth-best in NFL history.
- 1966: The year the Presidential Fitness Test began.
- 1 mile: The distance of the Presidential Fitness Test's run portion.
- 50: The number of years the Presidential Fitness Test was administered before being phased out during the Obama administration.
- 2,000 yard rusher: Barkley's achievement last season with the Eagles.
Sources:
- AP sports: Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.