Elon Musk’s Bold Claim: He’s a Philadelphia Eagles Fan and Saquon Barkley Is One of Five People He’s Chosen for His Next Trip to Mars

March 24, 2025 – Elon Musk, the billionaire trailblazer behind SpaceX and Tesla, has once again grabbed headlines with a claim that’s as wild as it is intriguing: he’s a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan, and he’s handpicked Eagles superstar Saquon Barkley as one of five people to join him on his next trip to Mars! Known for his out-of-this-world ideas, Musk has sent shockwaves through both the NFL and space exploration communities with this latest announcement. Is this a serious plan, a publicity stunt, or just Musk flexing his fandom? Let’s dive into this cosmic story and explore what it could mean for Barkley, the Eagles, and Musk’s ambitious Mars mission.

Elon Musk: Tech Titan and Unexpected Eagles Fanatic

Elon Musk is no stranger to bold statements. From predicting Martian colonies to launching cars into orbit, the 53-year-old entrepreneur thrives on pushing boundaries. But an Eagles fan? That’s a curveball few saw coming. Musk has occasionally hinted at his NFL fandom, notably attending Super Bowl LVII in 2023 to cheer on the Eagles against the Kansas City Chiefs (a game they narrowly lost 38-35). More recently, he’s been spotted twirling a Pittsburgh Steelers Terrible Towel, sparking debate about his loyalties. Now, Musk is doubling down, claiming the Philadelphia Eagles hold a special place in his heart – and he’s tying that passion to his next big adventure.

In a cryptic X post dated March 23, 2025, Musk wrote: “Philly’s grit inspires me. Go Eagles! Also, prepping Starship for Mars – Saquon Barkley’s on the list. Details soon.” The internet erupted. Eagles fans flooded the replies with “Fly Eagles Fly” chants, while skeptics questioned how a South African-born tech mogul became a Birds supporter. Whatever the origin, Musk’s fandom is now front and center – and it’s bringing Saquon Barkley along for the ride.

Saquon Barkley: From Super Bowl Champ to Martian Trailblazer?

Saquon Barkley, the Eagles’ All-Pro running back, is having a banner year in 2025. Fresh off a Super Bowl LIX victory over the Chiefs on February 9, where he racked up 2,005 rushing yards in the regular season alone, Barkley’s a household name. His explosive speed, relentless drive, and record-breaking performances – including shattering the Eagles’ single-game rushing record with 255 yards against the Rams in 2024 – have made him a fan favorite in Philly. But a trip to Mars? That’s a whole new playbook.

Musk’s decision to name Barkley as one of his five Mars-bound companions raises eyebrows and questions. Why Barkley? The running back’s physical prowess might be a clue. At 28, he’s in peak condition, with the strength and agility to handle the rigors of space travel. Could Musk see Barkley as a test case for human endurance on Mars? Or is this a nod to Barkley’s leadership, which shone through in the Eagles’ championship run? Whatever the reason, Barkley’s potential leap from Lincoln Financial Field to the Red Planet is the stuff of legend.

The Mars Mission: Who Else Made Musk’s List?

Musk’s SpaceX Starship is gearing up for its next major mission, with a crewed trip to Mars tentatively slated for late 2026 or early 2027. The billionaire has long dreamed of colonizing Mars, and this mission could be a stepping stone. While Barkley’s inclusion is the headliner, Musk teased four other names in his inner circle – though he’s keeping them under wraps for now. Speculation is rife: Could it be a fellow athlete, a scientist, or even a celebrity Musk admirer like Kanye West (despite their recent X drama)? Past hints suggest Musk might pick individuals who embody resilience, innovation, or sheer star power – traits Barkley undeniably brings to the table.

The logistics are daunting. Starship can carry dozens of passengers, but Musk’s “five-person list” implies an elite crew for this specific trip. A round trip to Mars takes about six months – three months each way – plus time on the surface. For Barkley, that could mean missing part of the 2027 NFL season, assuming the Eagles don’t mind their MVP jetting off mid-contract. Musk claims the tech is ready, but fans and analysts are left wondering: is this a real itinerary or a cosmic hype machine?

Why Philly? Musk’s Eagles Connection Explained

Musk’s claim to Eagles fandom isn’t as random as it seems. He spent time in Philadelphia during his undergrad years at the University of Pennsylvania in the early 1990s, earning degrees in physics and economics. Living in the City of Brotherly Love, Musk might’ve caught the Eagles bug – their scrappy, underdog spirit aligning with his own unconventional journey. His presence at Super Bowl LVII, seated alongside media mogul Rupert Murdoch, and his vocal support during the 2025 Super Bowl run (including a deleted “Go Eagles!” tweet) lend credence to his fandom.

Pair that with his admiration for Barkley’s grit – a player who overcame a major knee injury in 2020 to become a Super Bowl champ – and Musk’s Eagles-Mars crossover starts to make sense. Philly fans, known for their passion (and occasional snowball-throwing antics), have embraced Musk’s claim, with some even suggesting he buy the team. For now, though, he’s content to cheer from the sidelines – and apparently, the stratosphere.

The Science and the Skepticism

Could Barkley really join Musk on Mars? SpaceX’s Starship is designed for human travel, with recent uncrewed tests showing promise. A crewed lunar mission is planned for 2026, and Mars is the next frontier. The trip’s physical demands – enduring zero gravity, radiation, and a confined spacecraft – would test even an athlete like Barkley. Training would be intense, likely spanning months, and the NFL might not love losing its star for a season.

Skeptics abound. Musk’s history of lofty promises – like Tesla’s Cybertruck delays or Neuralink’s unfulfilled cures – fuels doubts. Is this Mars trip a genuine plan or a way to keep SpaceX in the spotlight? Barkley hasn’t commented, leaving fans to speculate whether he’d trade his cleats for a spacesuit. The Eagles’ front office might also balk at the idea, given Barkley’s $37 million contract and his central role in their 2025 title defense.

Fan Frenzy: What Philly Thinks

Eagles Nation is buzzing. On X, one fan posted, “Saquon to Mars? Musk’s officially the coolest Eagles fan ever!” Another joked, “First he breaks rushing records, now he’s breaking gravity – Fly Eagles Fly!” Some see it as a PR stunt, with a user writing, “Musk’s just trolling. No way Saquon leaves for Mars mid-season.” The idea of Barkley planting an Eagles flag on Martian soil has sparked memes and dreams of interplanetary tailgates.

Cosmic Touchdown or Cosmic Bluff?

Elon Musk’s bold claim – tying his Eagles fandom to a Mars trip featuring Saquon Barkley – is peak Musk: ambitious, eccentric, and divisive. Whether it’s a real mission or a fantastical flex, it’s got everyone talking. For Barkley, it’s a chance to go from Super Bowl MVP to Martian pioneer. For Musk, it’s another step toward his Red Planet destiny, wrapped in Philly green.

Will we see Barkley blast off with Musk? Only time – and SpaceX’s launch schedule – will tell. Until then, Eagles fans can dream of their star running back scoring touchdowns on Earth and Mars. What do you think – is this a game-changer or a galactic gimmick? Share your thoughts below!