Saquon Barkley has the chance to cap a stunning first year in Philadelphia with Super Bowl glory.
The Eagles running back had a monster 2024 regular season, racking up 2,005 rushing yards.
He fell just short of Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,105, set back in 1984, and could well have broken that had he not been rested for the final game.
But head coach Nick Sirianni took the decision to bench his star, who was playing for the New York Giants 12 months ago, as the Eagles chased a bigger prize.
That decision, it’s fair to say, was the right one.
Barkley’s stunning form spilled into the postseason, with 442 yards and five touchdowns in three games against the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders that helped Philly win the NFC Championship.
Now, he is being touted as the X-factor that can win the Eagles the Super Bowl, and in turn stop the Kansas City Chiefs from securing a historic three-peat.
He has already stunned with highlight play after highlight play in 2024 – and even a no-look hurdle in Week 9 – en-route to New Orleans.
But it was long before that dazzling moment, which came against the Jacksonville Jaguars, that Barkley’s teammates knew he was special.
Speaking to talkSPORT on radio row ahead of the Super Bowl, Jordan Mailata revealed the moment he realized the running back was one of a kind.
“In training camp we had a joint practice at the stadium, we ran this wheel route,” Mailata began.
“The way he caught the ball over his shoulder, with his toe drags. It wasn’t running, but it showed us (something different).
“We knew what we were getting in him as a runner, but him in the passing game too, making that catch in the open field, it was so clinical.”
Mailata also explained that Barkley’s ‘competitive nature’ has helped breed success this season.
“He’s held us to a high level of accountability, making sure we’re prepared,” the offensive tackle continued.
“His competitive nature probably breeds success and we see that, we’re inspired by that.
“He’s been an important part of this success and how the team has played out.”
Mailata was then asked if he would be surprised to see Barkley named Super Bowl MVP on Sunday night.
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“I wouldn’t be surprised, no,” he concluded.
The Eagles and Chiefs are going head-to-head in New Orleans just two years after they met in Super Bowl LVII.
It was Kansas City that came out on top that night, with a dramatic 38-35 win in that game.
But back then, Philly didn’t have Barkley in their ranks, and the 2,000-yard running back really could make all the difference.
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