Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has stirred speculation about his NFL future after revealing he could walk away from football unexpectedly, even while at the peak of his career.
The 28-year-old made the surprising admission during a recent appearance on Chris Long’s “Green Light” podcast, where he suggested he might retire abruptly, drawing comparisons to Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, who retired at 31.
“Yeah, it’s over,” Barkley said, referencing the possibility of a sudden retirement. He emphasized that while he remains deeply competitive, he could envision stepping away from the game without much warning.
The comments come on the heels of Barkley’s record-breaking debut season with the Eagles. After signing a three-year, $37.75 million deal in March 2024, the former New York Giant rushed for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns in the regular season, then added 499 yards and five touchdowns in the playoffs. His performance was instrumental in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Barkley’s legacy and future in Philadelphia
Despite his retirement musings, Barkley has expressed a strong desire to cement his legacy with the Eagles. Following the Super Bowl win, he stated, “I came here because I wanted to extend my legacy,” highlighting his commitment to the team and city.
In March 2025, Barkley signed a two-year, $41.2 million extension with Philadelphia, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history in terms of annual salary.
While his recent comments have raised eyebrows, Barkley‘s dedication to his craft and his team remains evident. As he continues to build his legacy in Philadelphia, fans hope his retirement remains a distant prospect.
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