Eagles Shocker As Saquon Barkley Reveals Early Retirement Thoughts
Mostly, Saquon Barkley seems to just be thinking out loud and toying with the idea.
But in doing so, he is unitentionally also toying with the hearts of Philadelphia Eagles fans.
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Way back in July of 1999, Barry Sanders was at the top of his game and yet stunned the NFL by announcing his retirement after a stellar 10-year career with the Detroit Lions.
Sanders, who had made the Pro Bowl 10 times, was just 31 when he said goodbye.
Fast-forward to today.
Saquon Barkley - also at the top of his game - says he is thinking about following that same path.
"I'll probably be one of those guys that it'll be out of nowhere. I'll probably just wake up one day, whether it's next year or two years or four years, and just be like, 'Yeah it's over,'" Barkley said.
Wait. What?
A bit of context is merited here.
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It is during an interview with Chris Long on the latest edition of "The Green Light" podcast when the 28-year-old Barkley was asked if he is the kind of guy who might retire sooner rather than later.
And then the surprising answer, which adds up to the idea Barkley might consider retiring as early as following this season.
At the same time, the superstar added, "I don't think I will ever lose that passion. I'm just a competitor. ... The competitive nature is always going to be there."
That's reason enough to think - to hope? - that he's not going anywhere anytime soon. He is, after all, coming off a spectacular season as he became just the ninth player in league history to cross the 2,000-yard barrier as he hit 2,005 yards. ... and then won a Super Bowl.
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Now he's married ... on the Madden 26 cover ... and the centerpiece of a team poised to win another one. Meanwhile, Sanders said goodbye in part maybe because the Lions didn't seem to be going anywhere.
Maybe this is popping into Saquon's mind because as he said, "One of my favorite players of all time, probably my favorite player of all time, is Barry Sanders, so probably similar to that. Maybe one day it will be out of nowhere. I'll probably be ballin' and just be like, 'Yeah' and call it quits."
Related: Jason Kelce Reflects on Retirement, Family and Lessons From His Mother
Related: Eagles Fans Now Worry Over Saquon and 'Madden Curse'
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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