Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley told reporters he declined an invitation to serve on President Donald Trump’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. The clarification came days after Trump signed an executive order bringing back the Presidential Fitness Test for students in public schools and mentioned Barkley as one of many prominent sports figures on the council.
“A couple of months ago, it was brought to my team about the council, so I’m not really too familar with it,” Barkley told reporters on Monday. “I felt like I’m going to be super busy, (so) me and my family thought it was probably in the best interest to not accept that.
“I was definitely a little shocked when my name was mentioned,” Barkley said, “but I’m assuming it’s something great, so I appreciate it.”
Trump revived the fitness protocol on Thursday with several council members in attendance, including Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor, LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau, retired LPGA star Annika Sorenstam and WWE executive Paul “Triple H” Levesque. Trump said other council members include former NFL quarterback Tony Romo, current players Nick Bosa and Tua Tagovailoa, as well as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
The fitness test was established in the 1960s but ended during the administration of former President Barack Obama. According to the White House, the order reiterates the administration’s “commitment to ending the childhood chronic disease epidemic and ensuring the strength, vitality, and excellence of future generations of Americans.”
Barkley flew on Air Force One and played golf with Trump before the Eagles visited the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl LIX victory in April. Amid backlash, Barkley defended himself in a post on X, saying he respects the office and similarly played golf with Obama “not too long ago.”
The fitness executive order was the latest example of Trump’s focus on sports during his second term.
Earlier this month, he signed an executive order intended to bring order and stability to college sports. In March, Trump established a White House task force for the 2026 World Cup, and on Tuesday, Trump plans to create a task force for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, according to The New York Times.
(Photo: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
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