If you’ve watched Saquon Barkley tear up the turf for the Philadelphia Eagles lately, you’ve probably seen a blonde woman on the sidelines clutching two kids and looking like she’s holding her breath with every snap. That’s Anna Congdon. Honestly, in the world of high-profile NFL relationships, she’s kind of an anomaly. She isn't chasing reality show cameras or trying to launch a lifestyle brand every five minutes. She's just... there.
Since they went "Instagram official" back in early 2017, she’s been the quiet constant in a career that has been anything but quiet. From the New York Giants draft hype to the heartbreaking ACL tears and the massive Super Bowl LIX win with Philly, Anna has been the one person who knew Saquon before he was a 2,000-yard rushing legend.
Saquon Barkley and Anna Congdon: The Real Story
It wasn't some Hollywood meet-cute. They were just two kids at Penn State.
Saquon was already a rising star for the Nittany Lions, and Anna was a freshman who had just finished being the captain of her high school basketball team. They met in late 2016. By December of that year, she posted a photo of them at a Pi Kappa Phi fraternity formal. Her caption? “He’s alright on the field but you should see him on the dance floor.”
That sort of set the tone.
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She wasn't a fan girl; she was a peer. They started dating officially in January 2017. While most college couples are worrying about midterms or who’s buying the next round, these two were prepping for the NFL.
The Life-Changing Draft Week
Most people remember the 2018 NFL Draft because Saquon went No. 2 overall to the Giants. What gets lost in the highlight reels is that their daughter, Jada Clare, was born just two days before he walked across that stage.
Think about that stress. You’re becoming a father and a multi-millionaire face of a franchise in the same 48-hour window. Saquon has said point-blank that he couldn't have handled that transition without Anna. She stayed in the background, handled the newborn, and kept their home life from spinning out of control while the New York media went into a frenzy.
The Ring Everyone is Talking About
After nearly eight years together, Saquon finally made it official. He proposed in late 2024, but they kept it under wraps for months. It wasn't until February 2025—right around the time he was lifting the Lombardi Trophy—that he told People magazine, “I have an amazing fiancée.”
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The engagement ring is a monster. Experts estimate the diamond is well into the six-figure range. Predictably, some corners of the internet got weird about it, throwing around "gold digger" labels. Saquon wasn't having it. He basically told the world that growth is real and family stands strong.
Dealing with the "Old Tweets" Drama
It hasn't been all Super Bowl parades and big diamonds, though. When the engagement news broke, some internet sleuths dug up offensive tweets Anna had posted when she was a teenager. It was messy. The backlash was immediate and loud.
Anna didn't hide. She deleted the posts, locked her socials for a minute, and then issued a direct apology. She admitted they were hurtful, stated they didn't reflect who she is as an adult, and owned the mistake. It was a rare moment of public friction for a couple that usually stays out of the gossip columns.
A Family Built on "Normalcy"
What’s actually interesting about Saquon Barkley's fiancée is how normal they try to keep things for their kids, Jada and Saquon Jr. (they call him S.J.).
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- The Degree: Saquon went back to finish his Penn State degree in 2022 because Anna and his family pushed him to be a "goal setter."
- The Rituals: They have these elaborate pre-game handshakes. If you watch the tunnel before a game, you’ll see Saquon doing kisses on the cheek and peace signs with Jada while Anna holds S.J.
- The Softie Factor: Saquon admitted he’s a total pushover for his daughter. If Jada falls, he’s rushing over. If S.J. falls, he tells him to get up. He says he's "working on it."
Why This Relationship Works
Honestly, it’s about the roots. Anna is a Pennsylvania girl through and through. She grew up in Forest City, played ball, and values being a "team player." Her high school coach once said she treated the 15th kid on the bench the same as the star player.
That groundedness is probably why Saquon hasn't lost his mind despite the fame. When he hit that 2,000-yard milestone with the Eagles, Anna just posted a simple story saying, “You outshine the morning sun.” No long-winded PR statement. Just a partner proud of her guy.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following this couple, here's the reality:
- Don't expect a televised wedding. They value privacy too much. It’ll likely be a private affair with Penn State alumni and close teammates.
- Follow the Documentary. If you want the unfiltered look at their life, the SAQUON documentary on Amazon Prime Video is where they actually opened the doors to their home.
- Ignore the "WAG" Stereotypes. Anna Congdon isn't interested in being a "Real Housewife." She’s been the backbone since the 2016 dorm room days, and that’s not changing now that he’s got a Super Bowl ring.
The biggest takeaway here isn't the jewelry or the fame. It's that Saquon Barkley found a teammate before he even found his professional team. That's a rare win in the NFL.
If you're looking to keep up with the family's journey, watching for Anna's rare but supportive posts on Instagram during the off-season is your best bet for a glimpse into the life of the NFL's most stable power couple.