Saquon Barkley's Bold Statement Following Career Year
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Last offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles made arguably the biggest splash in the NFL when they landed Saquon Barkley in free agency. Coming off a season that drastically shattered expectations, he made a bold remark that should have the organization and fan base even more excited for the 2025 campaign.
It did not take long for Barkley to make an impact on his new team. He rushed for over 100 yards and scored two touchdowns in his debut, and only went up from there. Following an impressive stretch of dominant outings, Barkley found himself chasing history by the end of the regular season. However, despite the all-time rushing record being in striking distance, the Eagles decided to rest him in Week 17 to be ready for the playoffs.
Across 16 appearances, Barkley led the league in rushing yards (2,005) and yards from scrimmage (2,283) while notching 15 touchdowns. From there he went on to be a major catalyst for the Eagles during their postseason run that finished with a Super Bowl victory.
Fast forward to Tuesday, and the Eagles officially kicked off their title defense with mandatory minicamp. Among those to speak after the first day of action was the team's lead running back.
Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts to his touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts to his touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Coming off arguably the best year of his career, Barkley is still incredibly optimistic for the road ahead. Heading into the 2025 season, he feels he's just hitting the peak of his powers in the NFL.
"I feel like I'm entering my prime," Barkley told reporters.
Saquon Barkley: 'I feel like I'm entering my prime.' pic.twitter.com/VFuJihz4ju — Zach Berman (@ZBerm) June 10, 2025
Following a dominant showing in 2024, Barkley already had massive expectations to meet this season. Now, after making comments like this, the bar will be raised even higher. Seeing that he's now had a year to get comfortable in his new situation, things could line up for Barkley to put together another strong campaign in year two with the Eagles.
Between nearly making history and Philadelphia capturing a Super Bowl, Barkley is a player that will have a lot of eyes on him this season. Especially after being chosen as the cover athlete for Madden, as most want to see if he can break the 'curse' that comes with being put on the front of the game.
Based on his recent remarks, Barkley seems to be oozing with confidence as he gears up for his eighth season in the NFL. This is great news for the Eagles given that they are primed to go back-to-back as champions. If Barkley is able to elevate his game more, Philadelphia will be on its way to having arguably the league's most unstoppable offense.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
43 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Jets' Sauce Gardner Makes Decision on Flag Football Olympics Involvement
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The NFL has expanded its global reach for many years, and now there is a chance that many players could represent the United States in the 2028 Olympics. The sport of Flag Football has been approved as a sport, and this has led to much debate over professional football players participating in the sport. More news: Missouri Approves Millions to Keep Chiefs From Relocating Naturally, the world of professional flag football players is chock-full of elite athletes who would want to win a medal at the Olympics. However, NFL players are also in that same boat. While current NFL stars like Matthew Stafford and Patrick Mahomes have stated they are unlikely to participate, New York Jets star Sauce Gardner has stated he would be open to representing the U.S. Jets CB Sauce Gardner on potentially playing Olympic flag football: "I like it. I definitely would be interested in it, being able to play for my country. I think it's a big deal because every time it's the Olympics, I'm always watching, I'm always tuned in." — Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) June 12, 2025 While speaking to the press, Gardner was asked if he would want to play Olympic flag football. He stated: "I like it. I definitely would be interested in it, being able to play for my country. I think it's a big deal because every time it's the Olympics, I'm always watching, I'm always tuned in." Winning the Super Bowl and entering the Hall of Fame are two of the greatest honors the NFL world has to offer, but to be able to represent your country in the Olympics is something far different. JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 15: Sauce Gardner #1 of the New York Jets walks off of the field after warming up prior to an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on... JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 15: Sauce Gardner #1 of the New York Jets walks off of the field after warming up prior to an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Jacksonville, FL. Sauce Gardner appears to take shots at his own team on social media. MoreMore news: Recently Released Defensive Star Signs One-Year Deal With Raiders The Olympics have long had hockey and basketball in the ranks, but football has never been given that chance. Flag football is categorically different, but the rules and play are derived from the game of football. That said, it would be believed that NFL players would be the first ones to be called on to represent the United States. It will be interesting to see how the selection committee handles which athletes are going to be part of Team USA for flag football. There is likely to be some sort of tryout to figure out the best team possible, and there are likely to be many NFL players who are going to try to participate in the Olympics. As far as Gardner goes, he is one of the league's best defenders, and the flag football team would likely be far better with him on the squad. For now, the NFL and Olympics selection committee are going to have their hands full with trying to find a middle ground on who gets the honor of representing the U.S. in the first-ever Olympic football event. More NFL: Deion Sanders Offers Major Update Amid Health Scare News For more on the Jets and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
Associated Press
44 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart leaves team minicamp without contract
CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart's hold-in escalated to a holdout on Thursday as he did not attend the final day of the team's mandatory minicamp. Stewart has expressed concern over language in the contract that the Bengals have presented him and hasn't signed his rookie deal yet. He had been participating in meetings and off-field activities with the team but was just a spectator at practices. On Thursday, he went a step further and left the team facility before the end of the summer program. 'He wasn't here today, so we just focus on the guys who are here,' Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. The Bengals selected Stewart with the 17th overall pick in the draft. The Bengals' pass rush was a weak area last season even though Trey Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks, and Stewart has the opportunity to step in as a Week 1 starter on Sept. 7 at Cleveland. But that can't happen unless this contract dilemma gets sorted out. 'I think for all the rookies, you'd like them to be on the field,' Taylor said. 'But certainly there's things that happen over the course of an NFL career, and this is one of them right now. So he's been in the meetings, he's been positive, and we look forward to getting (him) back on the field.' Taylor said that he has communicated with Stewart but declined to share specifics. During Taylor's coaching career, he hasn't seen a rookie hold out in this way. 'There's a first for everything,' Taylor said. 'Every year, you kind of learn something new in this position. And this is one of those things that the players have managed really well. We keep the team moving, and when he jumps on the field, that'll be great for our team.' Hendrickson hasn't been present at team workouts all offseason aside from one day where he attended a practice specifically to speak with reporters about his desire for a new contract. Without Hendrickson and Stewart, the Bengals have been missing two potential starting defensive ends on the practice field this summer. Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden described the processes that Hendrickson and Stewart are going through as very different. 'Our concern (with Stewart) is teaching him and making sure he's learning,' Golden said. 'He's engaged, he's on time. He's had a great attitude in the meetings. That's all we can control right now. I think it's a lesson for him in the NFL — control what you can control. From our standpoint he's done a good job in terms of the learning. We are as excited as anybody to get him out there.' With Hendrickson, the Bengals will build their defense around the 2024 All-Pro whenever Hendrickson is back in the mix. 'Trey brings a developed skill set already to the pass game,' Golden said. 'In a lot of ways, we have cultivate the defense around him, and we will. Trey's intellect and his approach as a pro he'll get caught up in those 47 days (of training camp) before the opener. I'm confident of that. Just looking forward to seeing him again and coaching him.' ___ AP NFL:
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Zack Baun hints at the Eagles defense being even better than top ranked unit from 2024
Zack Baun hints at the Eagles defense being even better than top ranked unit from 2024 During a recent appearance on The Exciting Mics podcast, All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun told Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship that the Eagles defense is miles ahead of where they were last year The Eagles were one of the most physical teams in the NFL last season, and their change in identity began with their late-season collapse in 2023. Vic Fangio entered as defensive coordinator, while Howie Roseman signed Saquon Barkley, Zack Baun, and Mekhi Becton, among others, to help bring physicality and attitude to a Super Bowl contender. Fangio's addition led to more padded and physical practices, which resulted in a 10-2 team and eight straight wins to start the previous season. Fangio's presence helped the Eagles become the No. 1 defense in the NFL, and the defensive coordinator was a finalist for the Assistant Coach of the Year award. During a recent appearance on The Exciting Mics podcast, All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun told Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship that the Eagles' defense is miles ahead of where they were last year. The defense has undergone an overhaul after defensive tackle Milton Williams (New England), Josh Sweat (Arizona), cornerback Darius Slay (Pittsburgh), cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (Minnesota), and linebacker Oren Burks (Cincinnati) all departed via free agency. In year one under Fangio, the Eagles (278.4 ypg) led the league in total defense for the seventh time in team history, having previously accomplished the feat in 1991, 1981, 1953, 1949, 1945, and 1944 (excludes the 1943 Steagles). Philadelphia was the second team since the 1970 merger to feature the NFL's rushing champion on offense while showcasing the league's No. 1 defense, joining the 1992 Cowboys (won Super Bowl XXVII). Philadelphia ranked 1st in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (174.2) for the second time in the last three years (also 2022, 179.8). Furthermore, the Eagles finished with the NFL lead in defensive points allowed per game (16.9 — their best figure since 15.8 in 2008), opponent three-and-out percentage (39.0%), and FFs (18, tied). Including playoffs, the Eagles were +27 in turnovers since Week 8. In that span, Philadelphia has 138 points off turnovers (6.6 per game).
