Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles’ standout running back and reigning Offensive Player of the Year, is choosing a lighter approach during this offseason to ensure he remains at his peak performance. After an intense 2024 campaign, Barkley is taking advice from trusted coaches and mentors to reduce his workload and focus on long-term health.
In the previous season, Barkley played a pivotal role in leading the Eagles to only their second Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, following an impressive tenure with the New York Giants. He narrowly missed breaking Eric Dickerson’s 40-year-old rushing record by just 100 yards, a legendary benchmark in the NFL.
Impact of a Heavy 2024 Season on Barkley’s Body and Mind
Throughout 2024, Barkley endured nearly 500 touches, a demanding physical toll that requires strategic recovery. As a three-time Pro Bowler and the cover star of Madden NFL 26, he acknowledges the need to scale back his offseason efforts to preserve his longevity on the field.
“It wasn’t hard because everyone I trust told me basically to sit my ass down for a little bit. … You’ve just got to be smarter, right? You have your moments where you go in there and you grind, you push it,”
Barkley shared, reflecting on his decision to ease up during the offseason. —Saquon Barkley
“But the majority of those days is just mobility, conditioning, doing all the things to get your body in shape to perform at a high level. It was a lot of workload, but my body feels great, so that’s the most important thing.”
—Saquon Barkley
Entering the Prime Years with a Fresh Perspective
Now approaching his eighth NFL season and just months away from turning 29, Barkley feels he is entering his prime despite the wear and tear typically faced by running backs. Many players with his level of usage tend to decline near this stage of their careers, but Barkley is optimistic about maintaining his elite performance.
His mindset centers on smarter training and recovery routines designed to extend his playing years. Fans and analysts alike are hopeful that Barkley will avoid the fate of previous rushing legends—such as Garrison Hearst, Barry Sanders, and Christian McCaffrey—who struggled with injuries after bearing heavy workloads.
Legacy and Future Expectations for Saquon Barkley
Barkley’s cautious offseason strategy highlights the evolution of athlete care in today’s NFL, where preserving peak condition can significantly impact career longevity. By prioritizing mobility, conditioning, and rest, he aims to continue being a dominant force for the Eagles while avoiding setbacks associated with intense physical demands.
As the new season approaches, Barkley’s approach will be closely observed, with many eager to see how this balance between effort and recovery will shape the next chapter in his distinguished career.