Internet archives are a messy, unforgiving business. You've probably seen the name Anna Congdon pop up alongside NFL superstar Saquon Barkley for years, usually in a highlight reel or a "couples to watch" list. But for a specific segment of the internet, her name is permanently tethered to a digital firestorm from back in 2018. It’s the kind of situation that makes every publicist sweat.
We’re talking about the Anna Congdon racist tweets saga.
It wasn't a single slip-up. It was a collection of posts from her teenage years—roughly 2013 and 2014—that featured the N-word and other racially insensitive language. When Saquon Barkley was the hottest name in the 2018 NFL Draft, the internet did what it does best: it went digging. What people found was a series of tweets that didn't just age poorly; they exploded.
The Screenshots That Shook the NFL Draft
Back in April 2018, just as Saquon was being selected as the number two overall pick by the New York Giants, screenshots of Congdon’s old Twitter account began circulating like wildfire. It’s a classic, if ugly, trope of the digital age. A person reaches the pinnacle of success, and suddenly, their inner circle is under a microscope.
The tweets were blunt. They included casual use of the N-word (ending in "a"). For many, the context didn't matter—the word was there, in black and white, posted by a white teenager. Some users defended her, saying she was "just a kid" or "singing lyrics," but the sheer volume of the posts made it hard for the public to ignore. It created a bizarre juxtaposition: Saquon, the face of a franchise, and his girlfriend, caught in a racial controversy.
Kinda messy, right?
Honestly, the timing couldn't have been worse. While Barkley was holding up a Giants jersey, his mentions were being flooded with "Is this your girl?" comments. It’s the ultimate PR nightmare.
Why the Internet Doesn't Forget
You’ve got to understand the climate of 2018. The "cancel culture" engine was at peak performance. When the Anna Congdon racist tweets surfaced, they weren't just seen as a personal mistake. They were framed as a reflection of Barkley’s world.
Here’s the thing: social media wasn't always the polished, corporate-monitored space it is now. In 2013, people tweeted like no one was watching. Congdon was about 15 or 16 when those tweets were written. Does that excuse it? Most people say no. But it does provide a window into a specific kind of adolescent ignorance that frequently catches up with people once they hit the big leagues.
The tweets reportedly included phrases like "ni**as be like" and other slang that was prevalent in certain online subcultures at the time. When the backlash hit, the account was quickly scrubbed. But the internet is forever. Screenshots live on Reddit, gossip blogs, and Twitter threads, ensuring the "controversy" tag stays on her SEO profile indefinitely.
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The Response (Or Lack Thereof)
Interestingly, there wasn't a massive, televised apology tour. Unlike many influencers today who post a 10-minute crying video on YouTube, the Congdon-Barkley camp mostly went quiet on the issue. They chose the "ignore it until it goes away" strategy.
For the most part, it worked.
Saquon and Anna stayed together. They had a daughter, Jada Clare, shortly after the draft, and eventually got engaged. The couple leaned into a more private, family-oriented image. By the time Saquon moved from the Giants to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, the "racist tweets" narrative had mostly been buried under years of "wholesome dad" content and Pro Bowl stats.
But the nuance here is important. The silence didn't satisfy everyone. To some, the lack of a formal acknowledgment felt like a missed opportunity for growth or education. To others, it was the only way to avoid feeding the trolls.
The Statistics of Digital Footprints
It’s not just Anna Congdon. A 2023 study on social media behavior found that roughly 40% of Gen Z and Millennials regret something they posted online before the age of 18. In the NFL world specifically, we've seen this happen to:
- Josh Allen (Wyoming/Bills QB)
- Donte DiVincenzo (NBA)
- Justin Hader (MLB)
Basically, if you’re famous, someone is looking at your 2013 feed. It’s a standard vetting process for fans now.
What This Tells Us About Modern Celebrity
The Anna Congdon racist tweets story is a case study in how we handle the "pre-fame" past. There is a massive divide in public opinion. One side believes that teenage mistakes should stay in the past. The other argues that if you’re going to benefit from a public platform—especially one tied to a Black athlete in a league that is 70% Black—you have to answer for racial insensitivity.
The reality? Most fans eventually move on if the person stays out of trouble. Congdon has been largely invisible in terms of controversy since 2018. She’s focused on motherhood and supporting Saquon’s career.
Actionable Takeaways for the Digital Age
If you’re looking at this story and wondering how to avoid a similar fate (or how to handle a past mistake), here’s the reality check:
- Scrubbing isn't enough. If you're entering a public-facing career, use tools like "TweetDelete" or just deactivate old accounts entirely. People will find the "wayback machine" version of you if you're important enough.
- Accountability matters. If old posts surface, a short, sincere acknowledgment often kills the story faster than silence. Silence allows the internet to write the narrative for you.
- Context is a tool, not an excuse. Explaining that you were young or influenced by certain music helps, but it doesn't erase the impact of the words.
Anna Congdon’s story is a reminder that the person you were at 15 is still tied to the person you are at 25, at least in the eyes of a Google search. While she has clearly moved on with her life, the digital trail remains a permanent footnote in her biography.
The best way to handle these situations moving forward is through active digital hygiene and a genuine understanding of why those words carry the weight they do. If you find yourself in a similar position, the most effective move is to address it head-on, learn the history behind the offense, and demonstrate through consistent action that your past self is no longer in the driver's seat.