Saquon Barkley Teams Up With American Red Cross to Inspire Blood Donations During National Blood Donor Month
Written by b87fm on 01/08/2026
Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley is known for leaving everything on the field. Now, the Super Bowl champion is channeling that same energy into saving lives off it.
In honor of National Blood Donor Month, Barkley has partnered with the American Red Cross to encourage fans, teammates, friends, and families to donate blood — a simple act he hopes will spark a culture of service and compassion far beyond football.
“I’m always trying to show and teach my kids how to be better and how to help others, so this has been a prime example of that,” Barkley told People. “I want to be a champion on and off the field.”
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A Personal Connection to Giving Back
Barkley, a father of two, says his decision to partner with the Red Cross was rooted in understanding just how much of a difference one donation can make. Before this initiative, he had only donated blood once — during his college years.
“That was the only time I had ever been asked to give until the Red Cross reached out recently,” he said. “Both times it’s been a no-brainer.”
The experience became even more meaningful when Barkley learned where his most recent donation went.
“When you realize how giving blood can make an impact on a person’s life, especially someone with cancer, that really hits home for me,” he explained. “And to know my most recent donation went to a cancer patient right here in Philadelphia — it’s a beautiful thing.”
Leading by Example in the Locker Room
Barkley isn’t just lending his name to the cause — he’s actively encouraging his teammates to step up as well. According to the star running back, the conversations inside the Eagles locker room have already led to action.
“I’ve been talking to the guys about it, and some have newly donated while others have been ongoing donors,” he said. “It’s wild because only three out of 100 Americans donate blood. So we need to make a difference and be the change.”
The Red Cross has long warned about nationwide blood shortages, especially during the winter months, making Barkley’s push especially timely.
Giving Back While Chasing Another Ring
As Barkley promotes lifesaving action off the field, the Eagles are locked in on another postseason run. Philadelphia is set to compete in the Wild Card round this weekend, with hopes of fighting their way back to the Super Bowl.
In the meantime, Barkley and the Red Cross are offering fans an added incentive to get involved: those who donate blood during the campaign will have a chance to win tickets to Super Bowl LX.
For Barkley, though, the real reward is bigger than football.
“If one person decides to donate because of this,” he’s suggested, “that’s already a win.”
