BREAKING NEW:Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley Shares Special Handshake with Daughter, 6, at NFC Championship Game.
Here’s the scoop on the heartwarming viral moment from the NFC Championship Game:
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🏈 A Father’s Pre‑Game Ritual
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, just minutes before the Philadelphia Eagles took on the Washington Commanders, star running back Saquon Barkley paused mid‑sideline intensity for a cherished family moment. His six‑year‑old daughter, Jada, approached him alongside his two‑year‑old son Saquon Jr. and partner Anna Congdon.
Barkley invited Jada to share their signature “special handshake”—a playful sequence of claps, kisses on both cheeks, and a peace sign—before bending down to embrace her warmly . He then shared a sweet, quick moment with Saquon Jr. and also kissed Congdon.
Jada’s words—“Love you, daddy!”—were heard clearly on video and quickly captured hearts on social media .
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The “Lucky Charm” That Sparked a Blowout
Could that pre‑game handshake be a “good luck charm”? The Eagles certainly looked unstoppable afterward. They stormed to a 55–23 victory, punching their ticket to the 2025 Super Bowl .
Barkley was scorching hot on the field—he racked up 118 rushing yards, one touchdown, and contributed three of Philly’s rushing scores . Notably, his 60‑yard touchdown run helped set the tone for the team’s dominance .
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Family as Core Motivation
Saquon has openly credited his children and Anna for fueling both his on‑field performance and his off‑field decisions. He once said he sacrifices his body not just for himself, but “for my daughter”, considering her in all his major life and career choices .
Anna Congdon later shared Instagram photos of the post‑game celebrations, writing, “If I could wrap my arms around this memory, I would…” as confetti rained down on their family fieldside . Barkley emphasized that while reaching the Super Bowl was monumental, the ultimate goal remains: winning it .
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Legacy of Love: What Comes Next
This father‑daughter handshake wasn’t a one‑off tradition. It’s part of a broader theme: during the Divisional Round, Jada and Barkley shared a similar handshake in a frigid match against the Rams—another precursor to a standout performance .
With the NFC title in hand, Barkley and the Eagles turned their focus to Super Bowl LIX. That game would prove monumental not just for football, but for Barkley’s personal life—landing on his 28th birthday, and culminating in a first career Super Bowl win, celebrated with the same tight-knit family .
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Why It Resonates
Human moment in pro intensity: Amid high stakes, Barkley chose family, showing vulnerability and love in a public, pressure-filled setting.
Tradition as ritual: Their handshake symbolizes luck, connection, and the intangible fuel that drives athletes.
A public display of devotion: With tender words, physical affection, and prioritizing loved ones, Barkley highlights the emotional heartbeat behind elite performance.
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This simple yet powerful gesture—claps, kisses, a peace sign, and a heartfelt “I love you”—has become iconic, illustrating the profound ways family bonds can elevate human achievement and inspire both on and off the field.
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Here’s the scoop on the heartwarming viral moment from the NFC Championship Game:
—
🏈 A Father’s Pre‑Game Ritual
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, just minutes before the Philadelphia Eagles took on the Washington Commanders, star running back Saquon Barkley paused mid‑sideline intensity for a cherished family moment. His six‑year‑old daughter, Jada, approached him alongside his two‑year‑old son Saquon Jr. and partner Anna Congdon.
Barkley invited Jada to share their signature “special handshake”—a playful sequence of claps, kisses on both cheeks, and a peace sign—before bending down to embrace her warmly . He then shared a sweet, quick moment with Saquon Jr. and also kissed Congdon.
Jada’s words—“Love you, daddy!”—were heard clearly on video and quickly captured hearts on social media .
—
The “Lucky Charm” That Sparked a Blowout
Could that pre‑game handshake be a “good luck charm”? The Eagles certainly looked unstoppable afterward. They stormed to a 55–23 victory, punching their ticket to the 2025 Super Bowl .
Barkley was scorching hot on the field—he racked up 118 rushing yards, one touchdown, and contributed three of Philly’s rushing scores . Notably, his 60‑yard touchdown run helped set the tone for the team’s dominance .
—
Family as Core Motivation
Saquon has openly credited his children and Anna for fueling both his on‑field performance and his off‑field decisions. He once said he sacrifices his body not just for himself, but “for my daughter”, considering her in all his major life and career choices .
Anna Congdon later shared Instagram photos of the post‑game celebrations, writing, “If I could wrap my arms around this memory, I would…” as confetti rained down on their family fieldside . Barkley emphasized that while reaching the Super Bowl was monumental, the ultimate goal remains: winning it .
—
Legacy of Love: What Comes Next
This father‑daughter handshake wasn’t a one‑off tradition. It’s part of a broader theme: during the Divisional Round, Jada and Barkley shared a similar handshake in a frigid match against the Rams—another precursor to a standout performance .
With the NFC title in hand, Barkley and the Eagles turned their focus to Super Bowl LIX. That game would prove monumental not just for football, but for Barkley’s personal life—landing on his 28th birthday, and culminating in a first career Super Bowl win, celebrated with the same tight-knit family .
—
Why It Resonates
Human moment in pro intensity: Amid high stakes, Barkley chose family, showing vulnerability and love in a public, pressure-filled setting.
Tradition as ritual: Their handshake symbolizes luck, connection, and the intangible fuel that drives athletes.
A public display of devotion: With tender words, physical affection, and prioritizing loved ones, Barkley highlights the emotional heartbeat behind elite performance.
—
This simple yet powerful gesture—claps, kisses, a peace sign, and a heartfelt “I love you”—has become iconic, illustrating the profound ways family bonds can elevate human achievement and inspire both on and off the field.
—