Behind every star athlete is often a story of immense parental support and sacrifice. For Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, his parents, Alibay Barkley and Tonya Johnson, have been the bedrock of his journey, instilling values of perseverance, community, and family that shaped him into the NFL standout he is today, navigating everything from tough Bronx beginnings to recent legal challenges.
From the bustling streets of New York City to the quiet towns of Pennsylvania, Saquon Barkley’s parents, Alibay Barkley and Tonya Johnson, have been his unwavering cheerleaders. Their story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and the profound impact of strong family values, which has undeniably fueled their son’s rise to NFL stardom.
The journey began in the Bronx, where Alibay and Tonya raised Saquon and his four siblings. In 2001, seeking better opportunities, the family made the pivotal decision to relocate to Pennsylvania, settling in Bethlehem, then Allentown, and finally Coplay. This move, as Saquon later reflected in an essay for The Players’ Tribune, was driven by his parents’ desire for a safer and more nurturing environment away from the challenges of the South Bronx.
Athletic Roots and the “Don’t Quit” Mantra
Athleticism runs deep in the Barkley family. Alibay Barkley himself was a promising boxer, even reaching the semifinals of the 1992 New York State Golden Gloves before a debilitating shoulder injury cut his career short. His great uncle, Iran Barkley, famously became a three-time world champion. This boxing lineage meant Alibay initially hoped Saquon might follow in his footsteps.
Despite his own unfulfilled boxing dreams, Alibay never forced the sport on his son. He made sure Saquon tried it, but ultimately allowed him to pursue his true passion. This experience shaped Alibay’s powerful philosophy: “Don’t quit.” He shared with PennLive.com that quitting a sport can lead to quitting on jobs, relationships, and even family. This mantra became a guiding principle for Saquon, especially evident in his determined approach to injuries on the field.
For Tonya Johnson, football was an acquired taste. She admitted to PennLive.com she “was never a football fan, ever” before Saquon started playing at age seven. Now, she’s an “angry fan,” intensely reacting to hits and dirty plays. Alibay, on the other hand, watches with a nervous anticipation, constantly worrying about his son’s safety.
A Family Forged in Adversity and Unconditional Support
The Barkleys’ path was not always smooth. During a period when Alibay served a one-year prison sentence, Tonya Johnson demonstrated immense mental fortitude, holding the family together even through months of homelessness. This experience, as detailed in an article by Yahoo Sports, undoubtedly contributed to Saquon’s own mental strength and resilience.
Alibay and Tonya are parents to five children: Rashard, Shaquona, Saquon, and twins Ali and Aliyah. Their parenting philosophy centered on allowing their children space to grow and learn from their own experiences. As Tonya explained to PennLive.com, “A lot of people try to live their lives through their children. You can’t do that. We let our children live their lives.”
A House, a Promise, and Community Impact
One of Saquon Barkley’s proudest moments wasn’t on the field, but off it. In June 2018, he fulfilled a childhood promise by purchasing a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home for his parents, near where he grew up. He described this act as “probably the best accomplishment I have so far,” emphasizing his desire to give back to his family for their sacrifices, as reported by ESPN. This milestone highlights the deep gratitude and strong familial bonds that define the Barkleys.
Beyond his immediate family, Saquon, with his parents’ active participation, is deeply involved in community work. He hosts young adults from the Covenant House at home games, a tradition he started with his mom when he joined the NFL. His own charity, the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation, organizes an annual Thanksgiving turkey drive in the Bronx River projects, the neighborhood where Tonya was raised.
Tonya insists on active involvement: “I don’t think you should just write a check,” she told The Athletic. “I think you should participate in everything. You experience everybody else’s experiences.” This hands-on approach reflects the family’s dedication to making a tangible difference.
From Giants Blue to Eagles Green, with Family Loyalty Tested
While Saquon played for the New York Giants from 2018 to 2023, his father Alibay remained a diehard New York Jets fan. This created playful tension, with Alibay even spotted in “full-on Jets gear” after a Giants-Jets game, much to Saquon’s amusement. However, the family’s support transcended team allegiances.
Leading into the 2024 NFL season, Saquon signed a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. This move saw him achieve a lifelong dream, making and winning his first Super Bowl appearance in February 2025. His mother, Tonya, conveyed her excitement to NJ.com in January 2025, calling it “a dream of his since he has been a kid.” Alibay echoed her sentiments, noting his son’s happiness was akin to when he first discovered football.
The family’s journey and Saquon’s career are also chronicled in the Amazon Prime Video docuseries SAQUON, which debuted in October.
Recent Challenges and the Family’s Continued Support
In June 2024, Alibay Barkley faced legal challenges when he was allegedly caught with a loaded gun during a traffic stop in the Bronx, as reported by Metro. This incident brings to light the complexities and ongoing realities that families, even those with celebrity connections, navigate. Despite such events, the consistent theme throughout Saquon’s life has been the steadfast support of his parents, who have weathered many storms together.
Now proud grandparents, with Saquon sharing two children—daughter Jada (born 2018) and son Saquon Jr. (born 2022)—with his fiancée Anna Congdon, Alibay and Tonya continue to be a central force. Tonya particularly values the family-oriented nature that allows her to remain close to all her grandchildren, a sentiment she shared with WFMZ after Saquon was drafted. Their journey underscores the deep bonds and enduring strength that define the Barkley family, a testament to the powerful foundation laid by Alibay and Tonya.
