When the Philadelphia Eagles gave Saquon Barkley a three-year contract last offseason, the organization hoped that he would be able to make a positive impact on an organization coming off a collapse.
Boy, did they get that and more from the former New York Giant.
Barkley ran for over 2,000 rushing yards in his first season including an NFL record for single-season rushing yards included playoffs, as well as a Super Bowl ring showed just how important Barkley was to the defending champs.
As the new highest-paid runner in league history following his new deal with the Eagles this offseason, Barkley spoke on his recent new deal and which player he aspires to be in Philly.
“Man, Barry’s my guy. He’s my favorite running back of all time,” Barkley said. “When I was a little kid, I used to wear number 20, and I used to run around and reverse the field and they used to call me, ‘Little Barry.’ At this time, I went to my dad and I’m like, ‘Who are they talking about?’ He made me sit down and go on YouTube, and that’s when I kind of fell in love with Barry Sanders as a running back.”
Barkley won't be able to match Sanders' total rushing yards - he's 28 years old, and over 8,000 yards behind Sanders at this point.
But he has a ring, an Offensive Player of the Year award, and continues to be one of the best players in the NFL.
If Barkley can respond to his 2,000-yard season with another elite run, than Barkley will certainly be in the conversation that Sanders is in once again. ... with a future as an all-time great.
