Learn about Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley, a standout NFL running back, developed a passion for football at a young age, inspired by family and childhood idols. His journey from playing for Whitetall High School to starting at Penn State and finally playing in the NFL. Dedication and talent formed his future as one of football's most consistent players.

When did Saquon Barkley start playing football or any type of sports? 

Saquon Barkley started as a track and field star and a 4-star football player in the class of 2015. He first committed to Rutgers University before deciding to take his talents to Penn State instead. Saquon spent three seasons in Happy Valley, and in his last two (2016-17), he was back-to-back Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and First-team All-Big Ten. In those three incredibly memorable years as a Nittany Lion, Saquon got up to 5,557 yards, including 3,843 yards on the ground with 43 rushing touchdowns, and set numerous Penn State records, such as most rushing touchdowns in a career, most rushing yards by a freshman and sophomore, as well as most total yards in a single game.

  After his junior year, Saquon finished 4th in Heisman Trophy voting and was also a finalist for the Doak and Maxwell awards, given to the nation’s best running back and best overall player, respectively. 

Saquon propelled the Penn State program back to national fame, so it was no surprise when he was selected 2nd overall by the New York Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft. And it was no surprise when Saquon picked up in the NFL where he left off in college, rushing for 1307 rushing yards with 15 total touchdowns for the Giants in 2018, which earned him Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl recognition. Saquon was selected to another Pro Bowl in 2022. Going into the 2024 offseason, Saquon signed a 3-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. With the Philadelphia Eagles, Saquon Barkley created the best hurdle of all time, the reverse hurdle. It was so good that it ended up being on the Madden 26 cover. He also got 2,005 RUSHING YARDS and also went to the Super Bowl on won!

Why Did Saquon Barkley Start Playing Football?

Saquon started to play football because his father saw his potential and encouraged him to pursue the sport as a way to stay out of trouble and achieve something significant. He also grew up watching NFL games and dreamed of playing professionally, an ambition that became a powerful motivation for him.  Saquon Barkley played football because At age three Saquon watched New York Jets games with his father at their home in the Bronx, New York, pointing at running back, Saquon said when he was young  "When I grow up, I'm going to be No. 28." That also encouraged him to push more through football because he wanted to be like his favorite football player growing up, Curtis Martin.

Where Did Saquon Barkley Play Football?

Saquon Barkley played for the Whitehall High School Zephyrs in Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania. He was in the class of 2015 and set school records for rushing yards and touchdowns during his career.

 The college Saquon Barkley played for was Penn State. Saquon Barkley chose Penn State for the feeling of being a priority recruit, the strong alumni network, the vision of a championship-contending program led by James Franklin, and a desire to keep top talent in the state. He initially committed to Rutgers but flipped his commitment after a visit to Penn State showed him the potential of playing for a school that made him feel wanted and offered a path to future success beyond football. So what this saying is that he wanted to be known better so he could have more opportunities to get into the NFL. In college, he also won the Big Ten Championship in 2016, won the Fiesta Bowl in 2017, was named a two-time All-American, and  Won the Paul Hornung Award in 2017. Then, during the 2018 draft, he was drafted in the 2nd round by the New York Giants.

 Going on to 2024, Saquon racked up a total of 5,211 yards with the New York Giants until he got traded to the Eagles because his contract with the Giants ended, and he didn't wanna sign the new contract, so he decided to go with the Philadelphia Eagles. He has had an amazing past 2 seasons with the Eagles, racking up 2,689 yards. Saquon still has weeks to go with this season and even his whole career. Saquon is a great football player, and he’s just getting started.

To Wrap This Up

Saquon Barkley is a good player off the field due to his positive leadership, strong work ethic, accountability, and extensive community involvement. He is an excellent teammate who is personable and has established his own charitable foundation, the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation, to support youth. He has also demonstrated high character and accountability by holding himself accountable and not blaming others, even when the team has struggled.