Late Daily

Eagles’ Hero Saquon Barkley Rescues 19 Dogs From Death Row — A Labor Day Miracle That Melts Philly’s Heart! From the football field to the frontlines of compassion 🐾💚 — Saquon Barkley just saved 19 dogs from being euthanized. Philly can’t stop talking about this Labor Day miracle!

—

by

Thuy
in

Philadelphia woke up this Labor Day weekend not just buzzing about football, but about compassion. Running back Saquon Barkley stepped away from the field and straight into hero status after personally rescuing 19 dogs from certain euthanasia, sparking a wave of emotion that rippled far beyond the City of Brotherly Love.

The story began in overcrowded Southern shelters, where dogs faced the grim reality of being put down. Instead of looking away, Barkley quietly funded their transport to Philadelphia, determined to give them a second chance at life.

And when the van pulled into town, Barkley wasn’t just writing checks—he was there. With family and friends, he helped unload cages, cradled frightened puppies, and shared in their joy. The emotional moment was captured on video and quickly went viral, surpassing one million views in hours.

“This is bigger than football,” one fan wrote on X. “He gave nineteen families a chance to find love instead of loss. That’s the definition of hero in my book.”

Barkley didn’t stop at transport. That same weekend, he hosted a public adoption event with Nickel City Canine Rescue, urging Philadelphia families to open their homes. Several dogs were adopted on the spot, their tails wagging into new lives.

On the field, Barkley is a pivotal force in the Philadelphia Eagles’ high-powered offense, with fans eager to see his explosive playmaking abilities. But off the field, his gesture cemented something even greater: a bond with the community that money or stats can’t measure.

In his own words, Barkley explained his powerful motivation:

“Those dogs didn’t have a voice, so I had to be theirs. Growing up, my family always told me that how you treat animals says a lot about who you are. Saving them wasn’t about football or headlines – it was about giving them the chance to feel love again.”

The rescue has ignited a broader conversation nationwide about shelter overcrowding and the importance of adoption, with media outlets and fans alike amplifying Barkley’s message.

For Eagles fans, this wasn’t just about football pride. It was about seeing one of their own embody the spirit of Philadelphia—gritty, selfless, and heart-led.

By saving nineteen lives, Saquon Barkley gave the city more than a feel-good headline. He gave it a reminder: true greatness isn’t measured by touchdowns, but by the lives you choose to save.

Serena Williams to Receive Giving Tree Award at 2025 Baby2Baby Gala for Advocacy in Maternal Health

Past honorees from the Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell include Charlize Theron and Kim Kardashian, among others

Serena Williams will be this year’s recipient of the Giving Tree Award at the Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell.

PEOPLE can exclusively announce that the nonprofit will honor the tennis champion with the award, which is given annually to a female public figure who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the lives of children in need.

Williams is receiving the award for her championing of women’s health, particularly with Black maternal health. The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who is also a mom of two, is the most successful female player of the Open Era and the most prized WTA player of all time.

“We are incredibly proud to honor Serena Williams on Baby2Baby’s most impactful night of the year, especially at such a critical time for our work providing children with basic necessities,” said Baby2Baby co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof in a statement.

“Serena is the epitome of what the Giving Tree Award represents, from her fierce commitment to uplifting children and families to her powerful advocacy for maternal health,” they continued. “The way in which she has used her incredible platform as an athlete, an activist, a role model and a mother to give back to children in need truly inspires us all at Baby2Baby.”

Williams shares her daughters Adira, 2, and Olympia, 8, with husband Alexis Ohanian.

Past honorees of the award include Charlize Theron, Salma Hayek Pinault, Kim Kardashian, Chrissy Teigen, Vanessa Bryant, Kerry Washington, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Garner and Drew Barrymore.

Over the last 14 years, Baby2Baby has provided over half a billion essential items to children in need, including diapers, formula, and clothing. The Baby2Baby Gala is an annual event for the nonprofit that raises funds to support their work.

The organization has provided over 250 million diapers to families in need, and its Disaster Relief & Emergency Response program has responded to children in need in over 100 different disasters.

This year’s Baby2Baby Gala will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8 in Los Angeles, Calif. The event is sponsored by Paul Mitchell, as well as Summer Fridays, Merck for Mothers and Dave.