Saquon Barkley is an electrifying running back currently setting the NFL world abuzz with his recent switch to the Philadelphia Eagles. Here’s the lowdown on him:
Early Life:
Born in the Bronx, New York, in 1997, Barkley wasn’t always a Philly fan. He actually grew up rooting for the New York Jets, idolizing running back Curtis Martin. Athletics run in his family – his father was a boxer, his brother a drafted baseball player, and even his great uncle was a professional boxer! Seeking a safer environment, the family moved to Pennsylvania when Saquon was young.
College Career at Penn State:
Barkley’s talent shone brightly at Penn State. He shattered school records, racking up impressive offensive stats over his three seasons. His performance was so dominant that he decided to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL Draft.
NFL Career and Achievements:
Barkley was drafted second overall by the New York Giants in 2018, and his NFL debut was a dream come true: crooked his cap backward, as he always did when he played for his hometown team.He did not disappoint. He broke several NFL and Giants records in statistics; in addition, he became a member of the Pro Bowl and the most coveted NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
But, the foregoing seasons do not yet show better results. He was injured when his muscular body resisted the pressure, and his contract negotiations with the Giants stalled. The tip of the catalyst (free agency) had everyone on their sidelines, with the movements and speculations gathering momentum by day, one wanted to see which club he would choose next.
A day later, the Philadelphia Eagles, these guys’ biggest rival, seemed to have made the winning bid to him! This decision got the whole NFL up in arms, as Giants supporters experienced a rollercoaster of emotions ranging from baffled to depressed, and Eagles fans went from 0 to 100.The big reason? He just inked a pledge to head over to the Philadelphia Eagles. This is something that, I could claim, is a rather a shocking change for a couple of reasons
So basically
Barkley was a superstar running back for the New York Giants for the first six years of his career. Drafted really high, like number two overall, he was supposed to be a franchise player for the Giants. He’s got that electrifying speed and agility, you know, the kind of guy who can juke defenders out of their shoes and take it all the way for a touchdown.
But the past few seasons haven’t been as smooth. Injuries slowed him down, and the Giants and Barkley couldn’t agree on a long-term contract. So, this free agency period, everyone was waiting to see where he would land.
Then bam! The Eagles, the Giants’ bitter rivals in the same division, swoop in and sign him to a three-year deal. Giants fans are obviously bummed to lose their star player, especially to a hated rival.
For the Eagles though, this is a big move. They’ve been criticized for not having a strong running game, and Barkley could totally change that. He’ll be lining up alongside a talented quarterback in Jalen Hurts, which could be a dangerous combination.
Interesting facts
Connect Four Champ (except against one rival):
Barkley fancies himself the undisputed king of Connect Four. However, his reign was challenged by none other than fellow running back Christian McCaffrey. Saquon blames his overconfidence for that loss!
Afraid of the Deep and Ticks
For someone who appears fearless on the field, Saquon has a surprising fear of open water and sharks. Maybe it stems from that one time he got bitten by a tick as a kid – that experience left a lasting impression!
Boxer Bloodlines
If football hadn’t been his calling, Saquon might have been a boxer himself. His great uncle, Iran Barkley, was a real-life champion, holding the WBC middleweight title in 1998
High School Struggles
While excelling in sports, Saquon admits he wasn’t the biggest fan of academics. Apparently, math was his nemesis!