The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for the new NFL season, and expectedly, talks around the team have been on a possible defense of the Vince Lombardi Trophy in the coming season. As for the Eagles’ star running back, Saquon Barkley, it’s more than just the Super Bowl. It’s about making his second year with the team as remarkable and historic as the first.
In a rather unselfish way to address such conversations, Barkley has placed the team’s collective success over whatever personal ambition he has to go down as one of the best running backs in NFL history.
Saquon Barkley is far from finished with the Eagles
Having arrived from the New York Giants just before the season began, Saquon Barkley ended the season with the first Super Bowl win of his career which was only the second in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles. But beyond the championship, Barkley became one of just nine quarterbacks in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a single season. He summed that up by running an NFL record 2,504 yards in both the regular season and the playoffs breaking Terrell Davis’ record of 2,476 yards.
Barkley felt very honoured and flattered to be named among eight other legendary running backs in the history of the National Football League.
“There’s only nine of us that’s ever done it,” Barkley said via Marca. “It’s so hard to do it twice because it’s hard to do it the first time. It’s a crazy thing that I’m even mentioned with those guys.”
Saquon Barkley ended the season by winning the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, and when asked about the possibilities of replicating his individual success in the coming season, he seemed less bothered about it, acknowledging how difficult it was to even record such mind blowing numbers in the first place.
Expectedly, Barkley has his priorities set, and his individual success isn’t at the top of the list. As he enters into the new season, his priority remains a third Vince Lombardi Trophy for the Philadelphia Eagles and him delivering high level performances to make that a reality.
“For me, it’s not – 2,000 yards is not the goal. It’s winning Super Bowls and going out there and performing at a high level. It’s not about chasing stats. It’s about going out there every week, executing, and helping this team win championships.”
At 28 years old, Saquon Barkley can still deliver at a very high level and produce insane numbers, and fans will be hoping to see him beat the Madden curse and push the Eagles to another championship next year. Despite hints at an early retirement, the Eagles can maximize the remaining years he has on his bumper contract and get the best he has to offer.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
