July 29, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Jefferson Health has chosen Philadelphia Eagle running back Saquon Barkley to serve as an ambassador in the hospital chain’s Champions of Care Campaign.
Barkley played at Whitehall High School and is a graduate of Penn State. Before joining the Eagles, he played with the New York Giants.
As a Jefferson Health ambassador, he will make appearances on behalf of the hospital network. Defensive end Brandon Graham, who came out of retirement last year to rejoin the Eagles, is also a Jefferson ambassador. Financial terms of the agreements with Barkley and Graham were not disclosed.
Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health owns the Lehigh Valley Health Network, which operates as a Jefferson brand.
The healthcare company has naming rights to Jefferson Health Training Complex, the Eagles’ South Philadelphia practice facility. That facility is being improved with help from Pennsylvania taxpayers, who put up $4 million for renovations. The value of the Philadelphia Eagles is estimated to be $8.5 billion.
Here’s a link to the Jefferson statement and below is a cut-and-paste version:
Philadelphia – July 29th, 2026 – Jefferson Health is proud to announce that Philadelphia Eagles superstar Saquon Barkley will serve as its new ambassador. In this role, Barkley will appear in the Champions of Care campaign – joining Brandon Graham in that role – and make community appearances throughout the year on behalf of Jefferson.
Through this partnership, Jefferson also teams up with The Michael Ann and Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation to support several community initiatives across the Greater Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley regions. The Foundation is dedicated to empowering underserved youth and families by focusing on education, stable housing, scholarships, holistic health initiatives, and athletic guidance. Among the events supported through this partnership are a backpack drive, as well as food and holiday gift drive.
Pending in-season availability, Barkley will also be involved with the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic presented by Sodexo (Sept. 28-Oct. 4), further advancing Jefferson’s mission throughout the region.
“Saquon Barkley is a leader both on and off the field—someone whose work ethic, humility, and connection to this city inspire people far beyond the stadium. That’s why we’re so proud to welcome him as a Jefferson brand ambassador,” said Nick Ragone, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Office for Jefferson. “Together, we will work to fulfill our mission of improving lives across the Greater Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley regions. Just as sports have the unique power to unite our city, this partnership will help us build a healthier, more connected community.”
“While everybody sees what my teammates and I accomplish during games, it’s just as important to have partners off the field that help make a difference for the communities around you,” Barkley says. “Teaming up with Jefferson as a ‘champion of care’ not only aligns with the mission of the Michael Ann and Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation but will make a tangible difference in the lives that we serve. I could not be prouder to join this team.”
A graduate of Penn State University from Whitehall Township in Lehigh County, Barkley has been with the Eagles since the start of a 2024 season which saw him named NFL Offensive Player of the Year and recognized as an NFL MVP finalist by the Associated Press. He established an NFL record with 2,504 rushing yards in the regular season and playoffs and earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors during a historic campaign that helped lead the Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LIX.
This announcement comes months after Jefferson expanded a multi-year partnership with the Eagles in which includes naming rights to the Jefferson Health Training Complex (the team’s South Philadelphia practice facility), teaming up to foster cancer-screening awareness throughout the community during the season, and serving as the patch sponsor of the team’s practice jerseys.
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