As the NFL season starts to heat up, Saquon Barkley’s family is celebrating more than just his impressive runs on the field. Behind the scenes, a significant achievement is unfolding for one of his close family members. This marks a moment of pride that transcends sports. On the other hand, Tonya Jhonson, Barkley’s mom, is making headlines of her own. Launching a new business venture that’s capturing the hearts of the Bethlehem community.

Saquon Barkley – the star RB for the Philadelphia Eagles, is known for his dedication to family. His sister, Aliyah Barkley, often supports him at games and events. His family’s unwavering support, from his parents to his siblings, marks Saquon’s rise to fame. But something lesser known is the academic achievement of Aliyah’s niece, Naskijah Maravilla. Aliyah shared a story on Instagram with the short and sweet message, “So proud of my niece.” The story features a picture of Naskijah holding a certificate of membership from a prestigious national honor society that recognizes academic excellence. A true testament to the Barkley family’s emphasis on education and personal growth.

Phi Eta Sigma, the honor society of which Naskijah is now a proud member, recognizes academic excellence among first-year college students. To be a member, students need a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale during their first year, placing them in the top 20% of their class. Naskijah is totally crushing it with her academics, which not only showcases her skills but also open doors to future opportunities like scholarships and leadership roles. 

Meanwhile, Saquon Barkley’s family is celebrating these milestones while looking forward to new ventures. Tonya Johnson, Saquon’s mom, has recently launched a new project that is turning heads.

A New Venture for Saquon’s Mama B

Tonya Johnson, aka Mama B, is a rock for her fam, and now she’s launching Mama B’s Resell Boutique — a thrift shop in Bethlehem. With the grand opening behind them on Saturday, this shop is all about giving back to the community by offering affordable clothing options.

In an interview with 69 News, Tonya shared, “I love bargains, I love deals, I love clearance. And also we’re hoarders. We always gave clothing away, always gave to Salvation Army, Good Will… giving clothes away. I was like, ‘You know what, how about we just do something else?’.” Well, that’s exactly what she has done. Johnson has lived in Bethlehem earlier, and now she comes back to add to the locality’s charm. 416 East 4th Street — Mama B’s Resell Boutique — remember the address.

Many of our dear athletes are constantly giving back to the world. The notable names that come to mind are Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, LeBron James, Serena Williams and JJ Watt. Closer to home, Saquon Barkley has used his platform to raise awareness about his niece Amirah‘s rare genetic condition – the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, through the NFL’s ‘My Cause, My Cleats’ initiative. 

Saquon Barkley is smashing records on the field, and his family is achieving milestones of their own. From Naskijah’s academic feats to Tonya Johnson’s new venture, they’re a family that inspires. With their dedication, they’re definitely worth keeping an eye on.