Saquon Barkley is one of the most exciting running backs in professional football today. The Philadelphia Eagles star has earned recognition as the NFL’s top player after a record-breaking 2024 season that ended with a Super Bowl championship. His combination of speed, power, and agility makes him a threat every time he touches the ball.
Who Is Saquon Barkley?
Saquon Rasul Quevis Barkley is a professional running back currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Born on February 9, 1997, in the Bronx, New York, he stands 6 feet tall and weighs 233 pounds. Barkley became a household name during his college years at Penn State and was selected as the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
His nickname “SaQuads” comes from his incredibly muscular thighs, which measure 31 inches around. Barkley is known for his explosive running style and ability to make defenders miss in the open field.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in the Bronx, Barkley moved to Pennsylvania during his childhood. He attended Whitehall High School in Pennsylvania, where he first showed his exceptional athletic abilities. During his high school career, he rushed for 3,843 yards and scored 63 touchdowns.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly recognized his impact on the community by declaring March 14, 2018, as “Saquon Barkley Day” across the state. He participated in a parade through his hometown of Coplay, Pennsylvania, that included his former high school marching band and children from his youth football league.
Barkley’s father, Alibay Barkley, and his family kept him grounded throughout his rise to fame. His Christian faith has remained an important part of his life and influences how he approaches both football and personal relationships.
College Career at Penn State
Barkley chose to play college football at Penn State University, where he became one of the most dominant players in school history. From 2015 to 2017, he rewrote the record books at Penn State.
College Achievements
Career Statistics:
- 5,538 all-purpose yards (school record)
- 43 rushing touchdowns (school record)
- 1,157 receiving yards by a running back (school record)
- Multiple single-season records for rushing yards
In 2017, Barkley’s junior year, he finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting with 304 total votes. He also placed third in Maxwell Award voting and received numerous Big Ten Conference honors. Despite having eligibility remaining, Barkley decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2018 NFL Draft.
Professional Football Career
New York Giants (2018-2023)
The New York Giants selected Barkley with the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His rookie season set the tone for his professional career.
2018 Season:
- 1,307 rushing yards
- 11 rushing touchdowns
- 91 receptions for 721 receiving yards
- Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Selected to the Pro Bowl
Barkley earned three Pro Bowl selections during his time with the Giants (2018, 2019, 2022). However, injuries occasionally interrupted his progress. He suffered a torn ACL in 2020 that caused him to miss most of that season.
In 2022, Barkley bounced back with one of his best seasons as a Giant, rushing for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns. His 2023 season saw him record 962 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns across 14 games.
After six seasons with the Giants, contract negotiations became complicated. Barkley later admitted feeling “fed up” with the Giants’ approach, calling it “a little disrespectful.”
Philadelphia Eagles (2024-Present)
On March 13, 2024, Barkley signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. The deal included $26 million guaranteed over the first two years.
Historic 2024 Season:
Barkley’s first season in Philadelphia became one of the greatest rushing performances in NFL history. He made an immediate impact in his Eagles debut on September 6, 2024, rushing for 109 yards and scoring three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) against the Green Bay Packers. He became the first Eagles player to score three touchdowns in his debut since Terrell Owens in 2004.
The highlights kept coming throughout the season:
- Week 12: 302 scrimmage yards against the Los Angeles Rams (Eagles franchise record)
- Regular season: 2,005 rushing yards (eighth-most in NFL history)
- 15 total touchdowns in the regular season
- 2,283 yards from scrimmage (league-leading)
- 46 runs of 10-plus yards (most in NFL)
One moment that captured national attention was his reverse hurdle against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he jumped backwards over a defender. The play went viral and showcased his rare athletic ability.
Playoff Success:
Barkley’s postseason performance was equally impressive. In the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams on January 19, 2025, he rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, he added 118 yards and three touchdowns on just 15 carries as the Eagles won 55-23.
In Super Bowl LIX on February 2, 2025 (his 28th birthday), Barkley recorded 57 rushing yards and 40 receiving yards as the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. He earned his first Super Bowl championship.
Including playoffs, Barkley set NFL records with 2,504 rushing yards and 2,857 scrimmage yards in a single season, surpassing Terrell Davis’s previous marks.
Awards and Recognition:
- 2024 NFL Offensive Player of the Year
- NFL Top 100 Players ranked him as the #1 player for 2025
- Contract extension through 2028 season (signed March 4, 2025)
2025 Season Struggles:
The 2025 season has been more challenging for Barkley. Through 11 games, he has 684 rushing yards on 185 carries, averaging just 3.7 yards per attempt. This represents a significant drop from his 2024 production. Despite the struggles, the Eagles maintain an 8-3 record and control the top seed in the NFC.
Barkley has acknowledged he’s in a “funk” but remains confident he’ll break out of it. He insists he’s healthy and takes responsibility for his performance rather than blaming the offensive line or defensive schemes.
Personal Life and Relationships
On February 2, 2025, the same day the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX, Barkley announced his engagement to Anna Congdon. The couple met during their time at Penn State and have been together for years. They have two children together and currently live in Malvern, Pennsylvania.
Barkley keeps much of his family life private but occasionally shares moments with his children on social media. His relationship with Congdon has remained stable throughout his professional career moves and the demands of NFL life.
Off the Field
Beyond football, Barkley has expanded his presence in business and media. In 2018, he was featured in ESPN The Magazine’s Body Issue, celebrating athletic physiques. In 2025, he appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for the financial technology company Ramp, in which he is an investor.
Barkley’s leadership qualities extend beyond statistics. Eagles executives and teammates consistently praise his work ethic and selflessness. Executive Vice President Howie Roseman called his 2024 season “the best season for any skill position player in NFL history.”
Career Statistics
Overall NFL Career (Through 2025):
- 101 games played
- 7,900 rushing yards
- 52 rushing touchdowns
- 1,731 rushing attempts
- 4.6 yards per carry average
Legacy and Future
At just 28 years old, Barkley has already established himself as one of the premier running backs of his generation. His 2024 season will be remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in NFL history. While his 2025 campaign hasn’t matched those heights, he remains a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offense.
With a contract that runs through the 2028 season, Barkley has the opportunity to build on his legacy in Philadelphia. If he can return to his 2024 form, he has a chance to chase more championships and potentially earn a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
His story resonates beyond statistics. From growing up in the Bronx to becoming a Super Bowl champion, Barkley represents the possibility of achieving greatness through hard work, talent, and perseverance. Whether he’s hurdling defenders or breaking off 60-yard touchdown runs, Saquon Barkley continues to be one of the most exciting players to watch in professional football.