Eagles running back Saquon Barkley joins Jefferson Health’s ‘Champions of Care’ campaign
Barkley joins Brandon Graham as an ambassador for Jefferson Health, which expanded its partnership with the Eagles earlier this year by taking over the naming rights to the team's practice facility.
Saquon Barkley isn’t just a champion on the field. On Wednesday, Jefferson Health announced that he will be the new face of its “Champions of Care” campaign, bringing the running back’s impact out of the stadium and into the community.
Barkley has a history of nonprofit work. Jefferson Health is partnering with The Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation, a nonprofit the Barkley family founded in 2020. (Michael Ann was Saquon’s late grandmother.) Together the organizations plan to support underserved youth in the community through events like a backpack drive, as well as food and holiday gift drives.
“Saquon Barkley is a leader both on and off the field — someone whose work ethic, humility, and connection to this city inspire people far beyond the stadium. That’s why we’re so proud to welcome him as a Jefferson brand ambassador,” said Nick Ragone, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Jefferson.
“Together, we will work to fulfill our mission of improving lives across the Greater Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley regions. Just as sports have the unique power to unite our city, this partnership will help us build a healthier, more connected community.”
Jefferson Health has been a major partner of the Eagles since 2024. Earlier this year it expanded its multiyear partnership and renamed the Eagles’ training facility in South Philadelphia to the Jefferson Health Training Complex.
Barkley is not alone in this endeavor. He and Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham plan to make public appearances as ambassadors throughout the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas, potentially including the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic golf tournament, running Sept. 28-Oct. 4. The Classic also supports the Eagles Autism Foundation, with the team’s philanthropic efforts serving as a central pillar of its identity, and a motivation for Barkley to join the Champions of Care campaign.
“While everybody sees what my teammates and I accomplish during games, it’s just as important to have partners off the field that help make a difference for the communities around you,” Barkley said in a statement. “Teaming up with Jefferson as a ‘Champion of Care’ not only aligns with the mission of the Michael Ann and Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation but will make a tangible difference in the lives that we serve. I could not be prouder to join this team.”