For Saquon Barkley, this Oct. 9 is shaping up to be one for the books. The Philadelphia Eagles running back will return to MetLife Stadium to face his former team, the New York Giants, the same night his new Amazon Prime documentary drops, offering fans an intimate look at his life on and off the field. And while the night promises plenty of emotion, Barkley hints he could be adding a personal touch: the potential return of his custom Kobe Bryant–inspired earring, a subtle nod to the mindset that’s defined his career. “It’s going to be a special night,” he teases. “I might bring it back out for that one.”
When he’s not making plays or headlines, Barkley is a dad, a fiancé and a man with an affinity for style, which he cooks up with his stylist Joshua McPhearson.
The tunnel has become a runway, and Barkley always delivers (at least to this longtime Eagles fan). The biggest fashion confession he's ready to divulge? What those Hermès bags are (or aren’t) carrying. “Those big, beautiful Birkins,” he muses. “Sometimes I’m not even carrying much in them!” he admits, adding that he uses them to tote his travel outfit and some headphones. “But I love them. They’re clean, classic and they make a statement.” But one stands out: “The black one. That’s the rock. That was one of my first ones, and it feels like my lucky charm.”
After winning the Super Bowl last February, Barkley’s daughter asked what his favorite birthday gift was. His answer was simple: celebrating with family. When asked about gifts that get him excited now, he reflects on that moment, which happened to land on his 28th birthday. “No matter what, win or lose, she’s going to put a smile on my face,” he says. “At some point, football will be gone, but those moments with family, those are forever.”
Below, as part of our Shopping Diaries, Barkley shares some of his current must-haves, from what he prefers to wear post-game to the toys his kids can't get enough of.
Shopping Diaries: Saquon Barkley
His post-game uniform:
When the game’s over, comfort is key. “When I’m done playing or flying, I want to feel relaxed,” he says. “I like to put on something comfortable: sweats, a tank, some sneakers,” he says.
Besides rocking a casual tee to unwind, he swears by Nike's classic sweats (this pick is a comfortable, highly-rated favorite) and Dunks because "you can’t go wrong with a pair of Dunks.”
His morning must-have:
Barkley starts his day with a boost from C4 Performance Energy, a longtime favorite since college. (He’s also currently a paid spokesperson for the brand.) “It gives me that focus I need, especially for those long days,” he explains.
His favorite flavor? Green Apple, describing it as “tart, but not too sweet.”
His daughter's favorite toy:
Life off the field revolves around family time, and his eyes light up when talking about his daughter Jada who takes on a strong leadership role when they play with her Barbie collection. “Jada’s my girl. She’s so bossy when we play Barbies. I don’t even know if I’m actually playing or just doing what she tells me to,” he jokes. “My son’s all about bikes. We’ve got ramps and trails set up in the yard now. It’s chaos, but it’s the best kind,” he says.
