Life has to feel pretty surreal for Saquon Barkley right now. He spent the first six seasons of his career toiling away as a member of thew New York Giants with just one single playoff win to show for it. Then, last offseason he decided to sign with the Eagles in free agency. That decision was met with much fanfare in Philadelphia, but a whole lot of vitriol in New York.
Barkley knew that the move would be good for his career, but he probably couldn't have imagined just how perfectly the pairing would work out. In his first campaign with the Eagles, Barkley set the franchise's all-time single-season rushing record, won the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year award and helped power the Eagles to the second Super Bowl victory in franchise history.
Saquon Barkley used to want to spend his whole career with the Giants, now he can't imagine playing anywhere but Philadelphia
It was a whirlwind of a season that culminated with a parade down Broad Street, and while riding an open-air bus through the city of Philadelphia, Barkley was finally able to soak it all in and reflect on what proved to be an unforgettable for season with the Eagles for the superstar running back. Understandably, he was left speechless.
"You can’t use words to describe this," Barkley said. "Every time I think Philly can’t take it to another level, it takes it to a whole ‘nother level. Me and my family are just happy and honored to be a part of this organization, be a part of this city. This city deserves it all and here we are."
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There was a time that Barkley envisioned playing his entire career with the Giants. That time has passed, though. Now, he bleeds Eagles green, and doesn't expect that to change.
"When you’re at one place and you think that’s where you wanna be and retire there, and then life happens," Barkley said. "And I came here. Now I couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else,"
In this particular situation, the "life" that happened was the Giants allowing Barkley to test the market in free agency. At this point though, Barkley doesn't even sound angry. At first, there was probably some resentment. After all, they were foolish for letting a talent like that outside of the organization.
But now, Barkley just seems to be filled with genuine gratitude and happiness. No more hard feelings. The Giants opened the gate to allow him to find greener pastures, and he did. The result was a Super Bowl parade, and the hope of more in the future.