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Saquon Barkley Reflects on Childhood Note to Mom and Surprises Her With Emotional Birthday Gift

Philadelphia, PA – September 10, 2025

"Mom, Could you wake me up at 7 a.m. and could you leave me a couple dollars? Keep this paper, Imma be a star."


The handwriting was crooked, the words simple, but the message was clear. At just 12 years old, Saquon Barkley wrote that note to his mother before a youth football practice — asking to be woken up early, to be given a couple of dollars for a drink, but most of all declaring his belief that one day he would be a star.

That scrap of paper, taped to a bedroom wall and tucked away over the years, became more than just a childhood reminder. It was a prophecy. Through relentless work, discipline, and belief, Barkley went from the playgrounds of Pennsylvania to the bright lights of the NFL, now considered one of the league’s most dynamic running backs.


This week, Barkley shared the memory publicly for the first time and paired it with an emotional surprise for his mother’s birthday. Instead of just retelling the story, he honored her sacrifices by presenting her with a gift that left the entire family in tears.

"Everything I am today started with her," Barkley said. "She woke me up, pushed me, and believed in me before anyone else did. That note wasn’t just for me — it was for her. Now I get to give back and show her that those words came true."

For Eagles fans, the moment was more than just a feel-good story. It was another window into the character of their new star running back. Behind the highlight runs and big plays, Barkley remains the same kid who once scribbled a promise to his mom, carrying her love and his dream all the way to NFL stardom.

49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters.Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.