There may not be a running back in Philadelphia Eagles history who has made more of an impact in just two years than Saquon Barkley has.
The 2024 season was special for Barkley, rushing for a career-high 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading to a Super Bowl win and an Offensive Player of the Year Award. There was one moment, though, that caught everyone's attention that season: the backward hurdle seen around the world against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
That play inspired the Madden 26 cover with Barkley on it. Recently, Barkley talked about that moment, but he wants to be remembered for more than that play.
"When I got to the locker room and got to see the play, I realized I was able to do something pretty cool," Barkley said to USA Today’s Chris Bumbaca. "It's something, it's a play I'll never forget. But I also don't want to be remembered for that play.
"I'm happy I was able to make that play. But I'm ready for the next one."
Saquon Barkley will be more than just that moment
Barkley may want to be remembered for more than just that moment, and he will be among the Eagles fans. How many times in that 2024 season did he have a long run go for a touchdown?
The moment Eagles fans might remember more is the Divisional Round Game against the Los Angeles Rams in the 2024 season, when he scored the long touchdown in the snow that gave them a two-possession lead and the win. That was the moment the Eagles were able to run away with the next two playoff games against the Washington Commanders and Kansas City Chiefs to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
To Barkley, it might feel like people only remember that because of what happened last year. He finished with only 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns in a down season, but still put up respectable numbers.
There is no one more motivated entering the 2026 season than Barkley is to make sure he creates more highlight plays. Things are much different this season, which will work out to his advantage and make people forget about the 2025 nightmare. Having Sean Mannion as offensive coordinator should help get Barkley rolling on the ground.
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Barkley should wear that moment against Jacksonville like a badge, as it will live in NFL history. If he wants people to forget about it, though, a strong season would do just the trick for Eagles fans.
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