Saquon Barkley expresses frustration with media for spoiling engagement announcement

NEW ORLEANS — Eagles running back Saquon Barkley — the team's prize player — has shown us all what greatness looks like. Barkley is so dominant that he is now even attempting to win two rings in one year — just not in the way you may think.

During his first year with his new team, Barkley nearly broke the all-time regular season rushing record and is only 30 yards away from having the most rushing yards in a single season, including the playoffs. He also now has the chance to win the Super Bowl on his birthday. Even with one final Sunday standing in his way, there is a lot to celebrate already, but a small cloud loomed over his riser at Super Bowl LIX Opening Night.  

On the first day of Super Bowl media availability at the Caesars Superdome, Barkley took time to express frustration with the media's premature announcement of his engagement in response to a question posed by The Daily Pennsylvanian. 

"Yeah, I mean, I've been engaged for like 6 months, it's not breaking news to anybody, you know, besides, you know, I guess you guys," Barkley said in reference to the reporters surrounding his packed media availability. 

During what was an incredibly upbeat interview session, in which Barkley answered questions including "What's your favorite play of your career?" and "What's your favorite color," the mood was momentarily soured by the mention of People Magazine's recent coverage of Barkley's engagement to college sweetheart Anna Congdon.

Taking a more serious tone, Barkley seemingly felt that People's coverage went against his wishes for Congdon to reveal the couple's plan to tie to the knot on her own.

“Honestly, I'd rather that have been an opportunity for my fiance to [have] announced that rather than come out an article,” Barkley said.

Adding to the confusion, People reportedly gained this information during the filming of a Flipz snack brand advertisement inside the Barkley residence centered around Barkley, Congdon, and their two kids' enjoyment of the popular food brand. Publications like US Weekly, New York Post, and Yahoo News, among others, quickly picked up the news. With the news spreading like wildfire on social media, Barkley didn't let his disappointment stop him from ending his commentary on a positive note about those closest to him.

"Family and friends means everything to me," Barkley said. "I wouldn't be the man I am today without them, and you know, they're my rock and they're the reason why I keep going."