Two Philadelphia Eagles stars—All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley and cornerback DROY candidate Cooper DeJean—are set to make NFL history as the first to ever play in the Super Bowl on their exact birthdays (February 9). According to Pro Football Reference’s database, from Super Bowl I in 1967 through today, no player has ever had their birthday fall on the exact day they played a Super Bowl. 

That is, until Barkley and DeJean suit up for Sunday’s highly-anticipated Super Bowl rematch against quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

The coincidence is even more extraordinary considering both players share this special day while playing for the same team.

Barkley's Record-Breaking Season

Barkley, who turns 28 on Sunday, reflected on the momentous occasion during Super Bowl Media Day, calling it “pretty cool” that the game falls on his birthday, but keeping himself on message: “Whether it was on my birthday or not, to be able to win it would mean everything."

The star running back, who joined the Eagles this season after six years with the New York Giants, has been a driving force behind Philadelphia’s success. Barkley rushed for over 2,000 yards this season—becoming only the ninth player in NFL history to achieve that feat—and is only 30 yards shy of breaking Terrell Davis’ all-time combined regular season and playoff yardage record (2,476).

DeJean's Breakout Rookie Year

DeJean, who turns 22 on game day, echoed Barkley's sentiments, telling reporter Mike Greger: “It’s crazy. I get to play one of the biggest games on my birthday. It’s pretty awesome. Saquon’s birthday, too. It’s pretty special.”

Interestingly, they’re not entirely alone on the team in sharing this special day. Eagles practice squad safety Andre Sam also celebrates his birthday on February 9, turning 26. While Sam won’t be suiting up for the game, his inclusion makes these coincidences and the overall event that much stranger.