ALLENTOWN, Pa. — At 28 years old, some might say Saquon Barkley is on top of the world.
The Eagles' running back and Whitehall High School alum was honored as the AP Offensive Player of the Year, his team denied the Kansas City Chiefs a three-peat with a 40-22 Super Bowl throttling, and he just signed a monster contract extension totaling more than $41 million dollars.
He's the highest-paid running back in NFL history. With that money, Barkley could buy a golden yacht, a sparkly new mansion, or travel the world with his fiancé and two children.
But on Sunday, Barkley hopped on the Turnpike to spend time at the PPL Center in Allentown, where thousands gathered to welcome him in a celebratory homecoming.
"Thank you to everyone here," Barkley said during an address to the crowd. "For showing love and support to me and my family."
The former Penn State star and Whitehall Zephyr received a warm and raucous welcome during an honorary celebration at the Allentown arena, just a few miles from where he played high school football.
"I'm going to continue to represent the 610, the Lehigh Valley. I want to continue to make you guys proud."Saquon Barkley, Eagles running back
Organized by the City of Allentown in collaboration with Whitehall Township, the day was all about the local guy who made it all the way to the Super Bowl (and won handily), smashing franchise and NFL records along the way.
Passionate fans brave the bluster
Despite the sharp and blustery winds, folks were in line as early as 10 a.m. to ensure they got a good seat.
They included Kim Kunkle of Bordentown, New Jersey, and Jaclyn Nothscein of Quakertown, two lifelong friends and Eagles fans. They arrived just before 10 a.m., coffee in hand.
"With it being a sellout event, we figured we'd get here early," Kunkle said. "We got here and we're first in-line to see Saquon, who had a phenomenal year."
Farther down the line was a little girl waiting patiently, wearing a much-too-big Saquon Barkley T-shirt and a fashionable pink puffer jacket.
Much like how Barkley celebrated his 28th birthday by winning the Super Bowl, Olivia Fleming celebrated her eighth one by cheering him on at the PPL Center.
"This day is all about her," said dad Nathan Fleming, who drove two hours from their hometown of York, Pa.
Although York County may see more Terrible Towels than Eagles flags, Olivia explained that she's an Eagles fan because "They're a good team and they won the Super Bowl."
And, well, because dad is too.
A day with him was the ultimate birthday present.
Cheerleaders, Zephyr hype up the crowd
Once the doors opened around 1 p.m., it was a mad dash for fans to grab seats and await the man of the hour.
As the sold-out crowd grew restless, it was the Whitehall High School cheerleaders and the Zephyr mascot leading the crowd in E-A-G-L-E-S chants and a few renditions of the notable fight song.
And then, there he was.
There was no fanfare or introductory song. No countdown or grand entrance. It was just a Whitehall world champion, wearing a sweater, jeans and a soft smile. With family and friends in tow, they strolled casually out of the arena tunnel and onto the main floor.
As soon as unsuspecting fans caught on that it was indeed him about to take the stage, they went ballistic.
Chants of "M-V-P!" rang out with such intensity and fervor that it took Special Events Manager Priscilla Reyes several moments to settle the crowd down.
The program was short and sweet and included remarks from Reyes, Whitehall Township Commissioner Alberta Scarfaro, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk and Whitehall Mayor Joseph J. Marx.
Following their speeches, Tuerk and Marx presented Barkley with a key to the city and a proclamation declaring Sunday, March 9, as "Saquon Barkley Day."
All spoke to Barkley's accomplishments and character, with Tuerk saying that the "Lehigh Valley breeds champions" and Marx arguing that Whitehall High School needs to be in the G.O.A.T conversation.
"I did a little research, and two of the alumnus of Whitehall High School, Dan Koppen and Matt Millen, hold seven total Super Bowl rings. Our Saquon Barkley has one. If Saquon gets one more, then you can call us the GOATs!"
Marx attempted to lead a G-O-A-T-S chant, but it didn't have the same ring to it as an "EAGLES" one.
Barkley shares the spotlight
Even on a day dedicated to him and his success, Barkley insisted on sharing the spotlight.
It was characteristic, considering that he shared his Super Bowl parade speech with a New Orleans terror attack survivor and reportedly would only appear on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" if his offensive line tagged along.
Standing next to Barkley at the podium were his parents, Alibay Barkley and Tonya Johnson, looking on proudly as their son spoke.
Barkley was quick to credit not only them, but "...all the Whitehall folks" whose support shaped him into the athlete and man he is today.
"Mr. (Bob) Hartman, my high school friends, my teammates, my coaches. They helped me as a man, helped me grow, get me to the position I want to be in."
Reflecting on this year, Barkley said that while breaking records and winning the Super Bowl was "unbelievable," he's just getting started.
"I'm going to continue to represent the 610, the Lehigh Valley," he said. "I want to continue to make you guys proud."
"Every chance that I get, I want to let people know where I'm from.
"And lastly, Go Birds!"
Tickets from Sunday's event benefitted the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation, which helps underserved youth in the Lehigh Valley.
