Who Are Saquon Barkley’s Parents? All About Alibay Barkley and Tonya Johnson

Behind every superstar athlete is a story of support, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. For Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, that foundation was built by his parents, Alibay Barkley and Tonya Johnson. Long before he was dazzling fans in the NFL, Saquon was a young boy whose potential was carefully nurtured by a family that valued resilience and personal passion. From their roots in New York City to establishing a new life in Pennsylvania, Alibay and Tonya have been the constant cheerleaders in their son’s journey to the top of professional football.

Their story is one of profound influence, shaping not only Saquon’s athletic career but also his character off the field. Through their guidance, he has become a dedicated family man, a community leader, and a son who never forgot his promise to give back to those who gave him everything. Let’s explore the lives of Alibay Barkley and Tonya Johnson, the proud parents who have been there for every hurdle, touchdown, and milestone.

From the Bronx to Pennsylvania: A Move for a Better Future

Alibay and Tonya are native New Yorkers, having spent their formative years in the bustling and often challenging environment of the city. Saquon and his four siblings—Rashard, Shaquona, and twins Ali and Aliyah—were born and initially raised in the Bronx. While New York was home, Alibay and Tonya recognized that a different setting might offer their children greater opportunities and a safer environment to grow up in.

In a heartfelt essay for The Players’ Tribune, Saquon reflected on his family’s pivotal decision to relocate in 2001. “We lived in the South Bronx when I was little. New York was all my parents had ever known. It was where they grew up. Where their friends were. Where their life was,” he wrote. Despite their deep ties to the city, his parents saw a path to a brighter future for their kids in Pennsylvania, where they had extended family. Saquon acknowledged that the Bronx “was a tough place for a kid to grow up,” and his parents’ move was a sacrifice made entirely for their children’s well-being. The family first settled in Bethlehem before eventually making their home in Coplay, Pennsylvania, a decision that would set the stage for Saquon’s athletic ascent.

A Legacy of Athleticism: Alibay Barkley’s Boxing Past

Athletic prowess runs deep in the Barkley family tree. Saquon’s father, Alibay, was a talented boxer with serious potential, following in the footsteps of his own great uncle, Iran Barkley, a celebrated three-time world champion. Alibay was dedicated to the sport, pouring his energy into training and competing.

He shared his story with PennLive.com, explaining the moment his dream was cut short. “I dedicated my life to becoming a boxer. But in the semifinals of the 1992 [New York State] Golden Gloves, I threw a hook off a jab and my shoulder popped. And I never had the money to get it fixed,” Alibay recalled. Though he attempted a comeback in his 30s, the persistent shoulder injury prevented him from continuing. This experience, however, instilled in him a powerful lesson about perseverance that he would pass on to his children. “That’s why I tell my kids, don’t quit,” Alibay stated. “If you quit this, it will be easy to quit jobs, quit relationships, quit on your kids. That’s probably why Saquon is so adamant when he gets hurt about still being in there.” While Alibay hoped Saquon might follow him into the boxing ring, he never forced the path on his son.

Becoming Football’s Biggest Fans

Despite Alibay’s boxing background, Saquon’s passion gravitated toward a different sport. At just seven years old, he saw a group of kids practicing football and was immediately captivated, asking his father to sign him up. Though they missed the registration deadline that year, he was on the team the following season, and his love for the game ignited.

For his parents, football was uncharted territory. Tonya admitted to PennLive.com that she was “never a football fan, ever” before her son started playing. “I’m still learning football. But, for the most part, I’m the fan who’s screaming at the TV,” she said. Her protective motherly instincts often take over during games. “When [Saquon] does the jumps, I’m like, Oh my God. Because it’s easy to jump; it’s hard to land… I’m the angry one.” Alibay, a lifelong New York Jets fan, put his allegiance aside to become his son’s number one supporter, though he watches with a nervous eye. “For me, it’s nervousness. I worry that he’ll get hurt,” he shared. Their transformation from football novices to Saquon’s most dedicated fans is a testament to their boundless support.

A Philosophy of Freedom and Support

As parents to five children, Alibay and Tonya adopted a philosophy centered on allowing their kids the space to discover their own passions and learn from their own experiences. They consciously avoided imposing their own unfulfilled dreams onto their children. “A lot of people try to live their lives through their children. You can’t do that,” Tonya explained to PennLive.com. “We let our children live their lives. So they can prosper, so they can become adults and be able to raise their children as well, from their experiences.”

Saquon has often praised this approach, particularly regarding his father’s dream of him becoming a boxer. “He made me try [boxing] and he made me give it a real shot. But when it came time for me to decide what I really wanted to pursue, he let me make my own decision,” the NFL star wrote. “I was fortunate to have a dad who let me try different things and allowed me to follow my true passion.” This supportive environment allowed Saquon and his siblings, including his brother Ali who also played college football, to thrive.

Grandparents and Community Pillars

Today, Alibay and Tonya are proud grandparents. Saquon and his fiancée, Anna Congdon, have two children, a daughter named Jada and a son, Saquon Jr. When Saquon was drafted by the New York Giants in 2018, just after Jada’s birth, Tonya expressed her joy at being able to remain close to her new grandchild. “We are so family-oriented and I am close with all my other grandkids, this will be able for me to be close with this grandkid,” she said. The family’s close-knit bond remains a central part of their lives.

This commitment to family extends to their community. The Barkleys are deeply involved in charitable work. Through Saquon’s foundation, the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation, they host an annual Thanksgiving turkey drive in the Bronx River projects, where Tonya grew up. They also partner with Covenant House, a nonprofit that helps homeless youth. Tonya believes in active participation, not just financial support. “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.”

A Promise Kept: The Greatest Accomplishment

One of Saquon’s earliest dreams was to repay his parents for their sacrifices. After signing his rookie NFL contract, his first major purchase was a new home for them in Pennsylvania, near where he grew up. He had promised his mother as a child that he would one day buy her a house, and fulfilling that promise was a monumental moment for him.

“My family has been through so much and made so many sacrifices for my brothers and sisters,” he told ESPN. He left the final choice to his mother, ensuring she picked a place where the family would feel comfortable. Reflecting on the purchase, Saquon said, “To be able to buy a house is truly probably the best accomplishment I have so far.” It was a powerful symbol of gratitude and a testament to the values of family and humility his parents instilled in him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Saquon Barkley’s parents?
Saquon Barkley’s parents are Alibay Barkley and Tonya Johnson. They raised Saquon and his four siblings, moving from the Bronx, New York, to Pennsylvania to provide their children with a better and safer environment.

Why did Saquon Barkley’s family move to Pennsylvania?
His parents moved the family from the Bronx to Pennsylvania in 2001 as a sacrifice for their children’s well-being. They believed it would offer their kids greater opportunities and a safer place to grow up compared to New York City.

Was Saquon Barkley’s father an athlete?
Yes, his father, Alibay Barkley, was a talented boxer whose great uncle was three-time world champion Iran Barkley. Alibay’s boxing career was cut short by a shoulder injury he sustained during the 1992 Golden Gloves semifinals.

How did Saquon Barkley repay his parents for their sacrifices?
After signing his rookie NFL contract, Saquon Barkley’s first major purchase was a new house for his parents in Pennsylvania. He had promised his mother as a child that he would buy her a home, and called it his “best accomplishment so far.”

Are Saquon’s parents involved in his charitable work?
Yes, Alibay and Tonya are deeply involved with Saquon’s Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation. They actively participate in events like an annual Thanksgiving turkey drive and partner with nonprofits that help homeless youth.

Follow Their Journeys on Social Media

Stay connected with Saquon Barkley and his family through their social media profiles:

• Saquon Barkley: Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)
• Anna Congdon: Instagram