Saquon Barkley aiming to break age stereotypes, calls “BS” on his decline

Saquon Barkley has made headlines not just for his recent move to the Philadelphia Eagles but also for his outspoken remarks on the topic of aging running backs in the NFL.  Barkley, who signed a three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Eagles, is determined to challenge the notion that running backs decline rapidly after hitting age 30.

Saquon Barkley hits out at haters before first season in Philly

Barkley, has had his share of injuries, including a torn ACL in 2020.  However, he remains confident in his longevity and performance. “That’s [BS],”Barkley stated bluntly in an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Marcus Allen played until he was 36, 37 years old. Some of the greats that I admire and I look up to and study, they played well into their 30s. Barry [Sanders] left at 29, 30, and he left in his prime. It’s what you put in; what you put in is what you get out. That’s any position. There’s this weird thing with running backs right now. Is it a difficult position to play? Yes. Do you take wear and tear? Yes. But who are you or anyone else to tell me how long I can play the game? I call [BS].”

Barkley’s move to the Eagles comes with $26 million guaranteed and potential incentives pushing the contract’s value to $46.75 million.  His signing reflects the Eagles’ belief in his ability to remain a top-tier running back despite the skepticism surrounding the position’s longevity.

Barkley is motivated by those who doubt his longevity.  “Anyone that tells you that you don’t get motivation from naysayers is lying,” he said.  “You see everything. Even if you block it out, you make stuff up in your head. The motivation comes from me wanting to be great, having a purpose, being passionate about the game and wanting to win championships and become a Hall of Fame player. Right now in my career, I’m far from that. But I feel like if I finish my second [half of] my career strong, I’m going to be able to put my name in that book.”

#Eagles Saquon Barkley is putting in the work for an explosive season 🔥

🎥: @saquon pic.twitter.com/v9hP750GLX

— The Swoop Scoops (@TheSwoopScoops) July 10, 2024

Saquon Barkley’s biggest threat: injuries

Barkley’s focus on injury prevention has become more rigorous in recent years.  His 288 total touches in 14 games last season were supported by a diversified approach to training and dietary changes.  While he acknowledges that injuries are not entirely preventable, he believes his efforts will help him stay on the field longer.

The Eagles’ strong offensive line, which ranked first in ESPN’s run-block win rate metric last season, offers Barkley a promising opportunity to continue his career at a high level.   “For me, it’s simple,”Barkley said.

“When I’m on the field, I’m one of the best, if not the best. I just have to stay on the field. Knock on wood, it’s not injuries like a pulled hamstring or something like that. I tore my knee and I had two or three high ankle sprains that sat me out. Everything I want is still there. Everything I wanted to accomplish, I can still go out there and do it. I just have to believe in myself and go to work. If it doesn’t happen, it wasn’t in the cards, but every day I’m going to try to climb up that mountain and try to make it to the top.”

As the Eagles prepare to open their season on September 6 at home against the Packers, all eyes will be on Barkley as he embarks on this new chapter, determined to prove that age is just a number.