It’s a big day for Saquon Barkley.

The Philadelphia Eagles star turned 28 on Sunday, Feb. 9 — the same day that he’ll play in his first-ever Super Bowl.

Barkley, speaking to PEOPLE as part of his partnership with Flipz, that playing in the Super Bowl is “the best birthday gift” he could ask for. “The only thing better than that is winning the Super Bowl on your birthday,” says the engaged running back.

His birthday celebration plans have been put on hold amid the big game, Barkley shares. “It’s Super Bowl mode.”

Saquon Barkley Is Engaged to Anna Congdon: ‘I Have an Amazing Fiancée’ (Exclusive)
Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with his family after the game against Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Saquon Barkley and daughter Jada.

Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty
It hasn’t been an easy journey for Barkley, and when asked what a younger version of himself would think of who he is today, Barkley tells PEOPLE, “He’d be super proud.”

“Not just being here, but the adversities and the injuries and never quitting,” Barkley adds. “And I still remember that conversation I had with my dad when I was younger and when I almost quit. He said, ‘You quit one thing in life, you’re going to be a quitter for the rest of your life.’ And that’s what always stuck with me.”

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“So I think I’d definitely be proud but also say that the goal is not just to get there and the dream wasn’t just get into the Super Bowl — it’s to win it.”

Barkley will have the support of his friends and family as he and the Eagles take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley Shares Special Handshake with Daughter, 6, at NFC Championship Game
One person that Barkley, who teamed up with Flipz for the snack’s Flipz Up Your Game Day campaign ahead of the Super Bowl, credits for his success is his fiancée, Anna Congdon. The couple have two kids together and Barkley recently confirmed to PEOPLE that they’re engaged.

Saquon Barkley, Jada Clare Barkley and Anna Congdon attend the 13th annual NFL Honors
Saquon Barkley, Jada Clare Barkley and Anna Congdon attended the 13th annual NFL Honors.
Ethan Miller/Getty
“I’d be naive to think that I’ve made it and all the stuff that we are able to accomplish this year was all alone and by myself,” Barkley says. “I can’t be the athlete and have the success I have so far in my career without the help of [Congdon], and she’s been super helpful and always having my back.”

“It’s a beautiful thing,” he adds, “because we have two amazing children that we raised and we just sit back and laugh sometimes when they’re over there playing and just smile and think about where everything started.”

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will face off in the 2025 Super Bowl, airing on Fox on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. ET.