Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles’ star running back and Super Bowl LIX champion, has been a household name for his explosive plays on the field and heartwarming family moments off it. Recently, a rumor has swept social media, claiming that Barkley and his fiancée, Anna Congdon, welcomed twins, with a viral photo showcasing the newborns and their surprising names sending fans into a frenzy. The story, amplified by posts on X, suggests that the couple’s growing family has taken an unexpected turn, but a closer look reveals that the claim lacks credible evidence. Let’s unpack the rumor, explore Barkley’s actual family, and examine why the alleged twin names have sparked such buzz.
The Viral Rumor: Twins and Shocking Names
The rumor that Saquon Barkley welcomed twins emerged in early May 2025, fueled by X posts from accounts like @NFLBuzz24 and @EaglesFanaticX. These posts claimed that Barkley and Congdon, who are already parents to daughter Jada (born April 24, 2018) and son Saquon Jr. (born September 2022), had expanded their family with twins. A supposed photo, described as showing Barkley holding two newborns, was said to have gone viral, with fans fixating on the twins’ names, allegedly revealed as “Alibay” and “Tonya” after Barkley’s parents. @NFLBuzz24 tweeted, “Saquon Barkley’s twins are here! Photo of him with Alibay and Tonya is blowing up, names are a tribute to his mom and dad! 🦅👶👶 #Eagles.”
The choice of names reportedly surprised fans due to their direct nod to Barkley’s parents, Alibay Barkley and Tonya Johnson, who have been vocal supporters throughout his career. Posts on X, like one from @PhillyFan4Life, noted, “Alibay and Tonya? That’s bold, naming twins after your parents! Saquon’s keeping it real.” Others speculated that the names reflected Barkley’s family-oriented values, with @GridironGuru adding, “Love how Saquon honors his roots, but twins named Alibay and Tonya? Didn’t see that coming!” The alleged photo, however, has not been widely shared or verified, and no major outlet, such as People or ESPN, has reported on the birth of twins.
The Reality: Barkley’s Family and No Twins
Despite the viral buzz, there is no credible evidence that Barkley and Congdon welcomed twins. The couple’s known children are Jada Clare Barkley, now 7, and Saquon Jr., nicknamed “S.J.,” who is 2. Jada was born just two days before Barkley was drafted second overall by the New York Giants in 2018, a life-changing week he described in a 2018 Instagram post: “Words can’t even describe how I feel right now. You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.” S.J. arrived in September 2022, with Barkley gushing to Giants.com, “Beautiful baby. He lights up the room. Amazing smile. Jada is being an amazing big sister.”
Barkley and Congdon, who met at Penn State University and got engaged in February 2025, have been open about their family life, sharing moments like Jada’s pregame handshakes and S.J.’s rare appearances on Congdon’s Instagram. A People article from February 2025 highlighted their close-knit dynamic, quoting Barkley: “I can’t be the athlete I am without the help of her. She’s been super helpful and always has my back.” Their family was front and center during the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on February 9, 2025, with Jada joining Barkley for a postgame interview, saying, “Congratulations, my favorite.”
No reports from reputable sources, including ABC News, Good Morning America, or Sporting News, mention twins or a recent birth. The couple’s most recent family milestone was their engagement, announced days before the Super Bowl, and their focus has been on celebrating Barkley’s NFL Offensive Player of the Year award and the Eagles’ championship. The absence of hospital announcements, Congdon’s usual Instagram updates, or Barkley’s media comments about twins strongly suggests the rumor is false.
Why the Names “Alibay” and “Tonya” Sparked Buzz
The rumored names—Alibay and Tonya—captured fans’ attention due to their personal significance. Barkley’s parents have been pivotal in his journey, moving the family from the Bronx to Pennsylvania in 2001 for a safer environment, as detailed in a 2018 The Players’ Tribune essay by Barkley. Alibay, a former boxer, and Tonya, a dedicated mother of five, instilled a strong work ethic in Barkley, who credits them for his success. A People article noted their pride when Barkley was drafted, with Tonya saying, “Saquon would’ve made a good impression” on any team.
Naming twins after his parents would align with Barkley’s family-centric values, as seen in naming his son Saquon Jr. Fans on X found the choice both heartfelt and unexpected, with @EaglesNation12 tweeting, “Alibay and Tonya as twin names? Saquon’s paying homage, but it’s such a unique pick!” The names also sparked debate due to their rarity, echoing Barkley’s own unique name, which his mother chose for its distinctiveness, per a 2018 New York Times article. However, without evidence of twins, the names remain speculative, likely fabricated to generate buzz.
The Role of Social Media in the Rumor
The twin rumor highlights X’s power to amplify unverified claims. Posts from accounts like @NFLBuzz24 and @EaglesFanaticX, which lack credible sourcing, drove the narrative, with thousands of retweets and comments spreading the story. This mirrors past instances, such as Barkley’s viral White House photo with President Trump in April 2025, where a single image sparked widespread debate. Barkley addressed that controversy on social media, saying, “Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand.”
The twin rumor lacks the photographic evidence of the White House incident, with the supposed “viral photo” mentioned but not shared. This absence, combined with the couple’s private approach to S.J.’s early years—Congdon posted sparingly about him compared to Jada, per People—suggests the story is a fabrication. Similar rumors, like unverified claims about other athletes’ families, often spread on X before being debunked, as seen with a fake “breakup contract” involving Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift in 2024.
Barkley’s Family in the Spotlight
While the twin rumor is unfounded, Barkley’s actual family has been a focal point, especially during the 2024-2025 NFL season. His pregame ritual with Jada and S.J., involving handshakes, cheek kisses, and peace signs, went viral before the NFC Championship Game on January 26, 2025, as captured by the NFL on Fox. Barkley explained to People, “Me and my daughter have had a handshake for a very long time. When you’re winning games, cameras are always on you.” Jada’s presence at events like the 2024 NFL Honors and her Super Bowl interview underscored her role as Barkley’s biggest fan.
Barkley’s commitment to fatherhood is evident in his comments about setting an example, such as completing his Penn State degree in 2022 to inspire his kids. “I want my kids to be goal setters,” he told Today.com. His family’s support, including Congdon’s game-day posts and his parents’ pride, has been a constant, making the twin rumor a surprising but unfounded addition to their story.
Why the Rumor Persists
The twin rumor’s traction reflects Barkley’s high profile after a historic season, where he rushed for 2,005 yards and earned the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. His Super Bowl win, coinciding with his 28th birthday, and his engagement announcement kept him in the headlines, making him a prime target for speculative stories. The names Alibay and Tonya, tied to his family’s legacy, added an emotional hook, resonating with fans who admire Barkley’s roots.
The rumor also taps into a broader fascination with athletes’ personal lives, amplified by social media’s rapid spread of unverified claims. While Barkley has not addressed the twin rumor, his past response to online chatter, like the White House photo, suggests he’d dismiss it with humor or focus on his family’s real moments, like Jada’s “you’re my favorite” comment.
Conclusion
The claim that Saquon Barkley welcomed twins named Alibay and Tonya, complete with a viral photo, is an enticing but baseless rumor. No credible evidence supports the birth of twins, and Barkley and Anna Congdon’s family remains centered on Jada and Saquon Jr., whose heartwarming moments have defined their public story. The alleged names, while a touching nod to Barkley’s parents, are likely a fabrication designed to capitalize on his post-Super Bowl fame. As Barkley continues to shine as a father and athlete, his real family—rooted in love, handshakes, and Eagles pride—outshines any viral gossip. In a world quick to spread rumors, Barkley’s focus on his kids and fiancée proves the true story is far more compelling than fiction.
