Saquon Barkley spoke out about being rested in the last game of the season, which prevented him from potentially breaking the NFL single-season rushing record.
The Philadelphia Eagles player expressed his disappointment with head coach Nick Sirianni’s decision to sit him out of the game against the New York Giants. Barkley mentioned that initially, he wasn’t too concerned about missing the game, but after reflecting on it, he realized the opportunity to make history in the sport. Unfortunately, he won’t have that chance anymore and is unsure if he’ll ever get another shot.
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Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Washington Commanders defenders on way to a 39-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. (Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)
“He asked me if I wanted to play if I wanted to go for, I said, on Sunday, I probably didn’t care too much for it. When I slept on it it was like, it’s an opportunity to implant my name in football history. I may never get another opportunity like that again. So I’m down, but in the end of the day, I don’t care if we’re putting the team at risk,” Barkley said.
Barkley mentioned that he had a conversation with his family and they were even more eager for him to break the record. “I told my family, obviously. My family probably wanted it a little bit more than me,” Barkley said.
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Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs off the field after win against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. (Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)
Despite his disappointment, Barkley understands the decision and is focused on helping his team succeed in the playoffs. “At the end of the day, the most important thing is winning football games and winning in the playoffs, and I have a bigger goal in mind,” Barkley said.
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Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on December 29, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Barkley currently has 2,005 rushing yards this season, just 100 yards below Eric Dickerson’s record for the most rushing yards in a single season. Dickerson achieved the record with 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984.
In 1984, Dickerson surpassed 100 yards rushing in 12 games to break O.J. Simpson’s 1973 record with Buffalo of 2,003 yards rushing in a single season. Dickerson set the record with 379 carries, while Barkley had 345 carries this season.
Barkley’s contract with the Eagles makes him the highest-paid running back in franchise history, with a three-year deal worth $26 million guaranteed and $37.75 million overall.
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