The 2025 NFL season has been a jarring decline for Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley – once a league-leading rusher, now the subject of widespread fan frustration and speculation. After a 2024 campaign that saw Barkley produce over 2,000 rushing yards, many hoped the momentum would carry into this year.
Instead, through 12 games in 2025 he has managed only 740 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, with an average of just 3.7 yards per carry – well below his career standard.
Barkley himself admitted he’s “in a little funk,” acknowledging the drop-off but insisting he remains healthy and committed.
Still, for many fans this slump has sparked a wave of sarcastic and conspiratorial commentary – especially after public footage emerged of Barkley spending time golfing with Donald Trump earlier this year.
A theory has taken hold on social media: that the “Trump curse” is real, and it has somehow targeted Barkley’s performance.
The slump’s real roots may be more physical
But analysts and insiders caution that the reality is likely less sensational than fan jokes. The heavy workload from his 2024 season – when he logged 345 carries and far more total touches than in any previous year – may simply be catching up with him.
Moreover, Barkley’s explosiveness has visibly waned. His “yards before contact” and “yards after contact” metrics are down sharply compared with last season.
Explosive runs – a hallmark of his 2024 MVP-caliber campaign – have become rare. This regression forces the Eagles‘ offense into a more predictable, one-dimensional attack, making Barkley easier to defend.
Add to that an offensive line hampered by inconsistency and injuries, a new offensive coordinator whose play-calling hasn’t restored the rhythm of 2024, and the result is a running game that looks broken.
Despite all this, Barkley remains committed to clawing his way back. As he repeatedly says: “I’ve had funks before… just got to break it.”
But for the Eagles – and their fans – time is not necessarily on his side. As each carry fails to produce the burst of last season, the “Trump curse” jokes fade, replaced by harsh reality: even the best running backs eventually feel the heat of 400-plus touches – and fans, analysts and teammates alike are beginning to fear this slump may linger longer than anyone expected.
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