Miles Sanders, now a running back for the Dallas Cowboys, reignited the Saquon Barkley rivalry NFC East with a sharp Instagram comment targeting Barkley’s performance with the New York Giants. The post, made in early 2024, highlighted Sanders’ intent to prove himself in this intense divisional rivalry after returning to the NFC East, where Barkley has become a key figure.
Controversial Statement on Instagram Draws Attention
Sanders responded to a question from phillycrew regarding their roles on their respective teams with a bold remark:
No disrespect to bud (Barkley), but he wasn’t doing all that in New York. Got a good OL (in Philly) so it’s cool. I do this everywhere. Philly gonna see,
he said before deleting the post. He added,
They (Philly) said I wasn’t worth the money… so I signed with the team they hate the most. I’m in Dallas now—and every snap is personal.
These messages underscore not only his personal motivation but also the simmering tensions between Sanders and Barkley, fueled by their shared history and current NFC East rivalry.
From Philadelphia to Dallas: Sanders’ Changing NFL Journey
Sanders’ move to Dallas follows a challenging period with the Carolina Panthers, where he signed a lucrative contract worth $25.4 million over four years but struggled to meet expectations. Over two seasons, he amassed just 637 yards before being released. Upon signing a one-year deal with the Cowboys, Sanders expressed frustrations regarding his stint in Carolina, attributing some struggles to factors beyond his control.
Rivalry Originates at Penn State
The competition between Sanders and Barkley dates back to their collegiate days at Penn State. While Barkley quickly emerged as a star and future top NFL draft pick, Sanders endured a period of waiting for his opportunity. Reflecting on that time, Sanders shared,
I had to learn patience the hard way,
highlighting the challenge of playing second fiddle to Barkley. When Barkley left for the NFL in 2018, Sanders capitalized by rushing for 1,274 yards that season, ranking him 11th in Penn State’s single-season rushing records.
Contrasting NFL Careers Deepen the Divide
By 2022, Sanders was the lead back for the Eagles, contributing 1,269 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on a team competing for the Super Bowl. However, his performance during the championship game was underwhelming, with only 16 yards and two costly fumbles. Following the season, Philadelphia chose not to retain him, opting instead for local player D’Andre Swift. Meanwhile, Sanders experienced his least productive NFL season with Carolina, managing 432 yards and losing his starting role to rookie Chuba Hubbard. In contrast, Barkley continued to flourish in New York, earning NFL Honors such as Best NFL Player and Best Play.
Renewed Tensions as the Season Nears
With the upcoming season positioning both Sanders and Barkley firmly in the NFC East, the rivalry between the two backs is intensifying. Their ongoing competitive exchanges, amplified by social media, set the stage for further confrontation on the field. Fans now await their encounters, anticipating that each snap will be charged with personal and divisional pride, fueling one of the NFC East’s most compelling storylines.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Saquon Barkley a millionaire?
A. He is believed to have a net worth of around $32 million. In 2024, he agreed to a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley was the top player in rushing yards and won Super Bowl LIX.
Q. Is Saquon Barkley a humble guy?
A. Saquon is refreshing; he’s a star known for being respectful and humble in all his interactions. Despite his fame, he inspires hope. Saquon consistently shows us that there are kind people in positions of power.
Q. Is Saquon Barkley humble?
A. Saquon Barkley keeps getting attention for his modest nature. A person’s attitude reveals a lot about them, including their background and leadership qualities.