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Saquon Barkley reflects on Barry Sanders' influence ahead of NFL season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 2:44 PM

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

Saquon Barkley reflects on Barry Sanders' influence ahead of NFL season

Summary

Saquon Barkley shared how a video of Barry Sanders inspired him during childhood. On the AP’s 'On Football' podcast, Barkley emphasized Sanders’ character, recalling a clip where Sanders distributed refreshments to teammates. Barkley, who achieved 2,504 combined rushing yards in the 2024 season and helped the Eagles secure a Super Bowl title, has focused on fostering a strong team culture. In 2025, he rushed for 1,140 yards, contributing to the Eagles' second straight division title but faced a wild-card loss to San Francisco. Barkley continues to embrace the pressures of playing in Philadelphia, aiming for championship success.

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By the Numbers

•Barkley cites a Barry Sanders clip as a childhood inspiration.
•He rushed for a record 2,504 combined yards in 2024.
•Barkley helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl that season.
•In 2025, he rushed for 1,140 yards amid offensive challenges.
•Barkley embraces the pressure and expectations of playing in Philadelphia.

Latest Updates

2:44 PMYahoo Sports — Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was inspired by Barry Sanders serving his teammates

What they're saying

"
Saquon Barkley saw a clip of Barry Sanders on NFL Films when he was a kid that left a lasting impression. Instead, the Hall of Fame running back who inspired a generation of running backs with his sensational, elusive, shifty style was walking up and down the sideline handing out refreshments to his teammates. “They were talking about how great of a player he was but they had a clip of him holding Gatorade cups and he’s walking down,” Barkley said on the AP’s “On Football” podcast.
— Yahoo Sportsby ROB MAADDI

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