Saquon Barkley was the X-Factor that the Philadelphia Eagles needed in 2024.
The running back had a historic year, racking up 2,005 regular-season rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, before adding 499 yards and five more scores in the playoffs en-route to winning Super Bowl LIX.
Barkley’s total of 2,504 yards (postseason included) eclipsed the single-season record that Terrell Davis set in 1998, and helped cement him as the NFL‘s best offensive player, an award he took home on Honors Night.
Those sorts of records and personal achievements are great, but the star running back made it clear from the moment he arrived in Philadelphia, leaving New York Giants fans and ownership sleepless, that he’s all about team success.
Barkley was rested for the final game of the regular season, despite having Eric Dickerson’s rushing record in sight, to ensure that he was firing for the playoffs.
The move from head coach Nick Sirianni was questioned at the time, but it certainly turned out to be the right one.
Philly toppled the Kansas City Chiefs to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans with a dominating 40-22 win.
While Barkley himself was limited to just 57 yards from 25 carries in the Super Bowl, he made his presence felt on the sideline.
Footage has emerged of the 28-year-old – in his first season with the franchise – keeping his teammates level-headed during the big game, ensuring they weren’t getting carried away too soon.
He was seen telling some Eagles players to ‘chill’ and reminded others that the Super Bowl wasn’t won until the clock hit zero.
“Do not fall for it, f*** the scoreboard, it’s 0-0. We’re here the whole time,” he said.
“We stay locked in.”
The footage of Barkley keeping his teammates in check was shared by the NFL, and had many fans describing him as a true leader.
“The job wasn’t finished and he knows this,” one person said.
“He stepped onto a loaded roster and immediately became one of the leaders. Says a lot about his work ethic and respect he had from day one,” another said.
“Saquon is HIM,” a third wrote.
In the days since the Super Bowl, Barkley and his teammates have had plenty of opportunity to celebrate.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts has taken the traditional MVP trip to Disney World in Florida, and also appeared alongside Barkley and Philly’s offensive line on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
According to OT Jordan Mailata, the O-line was included in that TV appearance because Barkley insisted they be invited when the show reached out.
Ensuring his teammates get their moment in the spotlight further proves Barkley’s leadership credentials – and he wasn’t done there.
NBC Sports Anchor John Clark reports that Saquon has teamed up with Bud Light to gift each of his offensive linemen a truckload of beer ahead of the victory parade in Philadelphia on Friday.
Bud Light will also be temporarily re-branding for the parade, calling itself ‘Bird Light’ in honor of the Eagles’ championship.
With each lineman chugging their way through a literal truckload of beer, Philly’s victory parade is surely going to be a wild one.
