Eagles' Saquon Barkley Makes Statement on Early Retirement

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
After being crowned the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year in 2024, it feels like Saquon Barkley is just getting started. The Philadelphia Eagles running back's tenure with his second franchise started off on the best foot possible.
While that might be the case, Barkley also suggests he might not be that far off from leaving. That's not to say the 28-year-old is ready to jet out of Philly just yet. After all, he just signed a contract extension with the team after winning his first Super Bowl back in February.
But early retirement is at the back of his mind heading into his second season with the Eagles. Make no mistake about it, Barkley's recent statement on the potential of retiring early didn't come unprompted. In a recent sit-down with former Eagles pass-rusher Chris Long, Barkley was asked about how far he might take his career.
"Do you imagine yourself as one of these guys that wants to do it until the wheels fall off?" Chris Long asked.
Saquon Barkley was asked about retirement. His answer might surprise you:
"I'll probably be one of those guys that it would 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.'"
(via… pic.twitter.com/BW8R1B1lrJ — Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 4, 2025
"I'm probably one of those guys that it would be out of nowhere," Barkley fired back.
"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.' I don't think I will ever lose that passion. The competitive nature is always going to be there. My favorite player of all time is probably Barry Sanders, so it's probably similar to that. Maybe one day it'll probably be out of nowhere. I'll probably be balling and be like, 'Yeah, call it quits.'"
On a bright note, that day has not come for Barkley. The Eagles' star rusher will be back in midnight green for his second season, looking to build off of a historic first season in Philadelphia for the 2025 NFL season.
In 16 games, Barkley rushed for over 2,000 yards. It was the first time in his career that he broke through that mark. He accounted for a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns and caught two receiving touchdowns to finish with 15 total on the year.
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. The victory celebrations were marred by chaos, including a stabbing and a car hitting a crowd of pedestrians. MoreIn the playoffs, Barkley rushed for nearly 500 yards, and scored five touchdowns during the Eagles' impressive Super Bowl run. Although the Eagles had Barkley signed to a multi-season contract after acquiring him in 2024 free agency, Barkley signed a two-year, $41 million contract extension as soon as the Super Bowl run concluded.
Based on Barkley's thinking, the Eagles might start to feel a sense of panic when they wrap up the 2025 NFL season. For the time being, they can rest easy knowing that Barkley has maintained his competitive fire and plans to put it to good use next year.