Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley, two of the NFL’s premier running backs, have developed a rivalry that goes beyond competition, rooted deeply in mutual respect and shared ambition. Both athletes play for teams with Super Bowl aspirations and consistently deliver remarkable performances on the field, pushing each other to new heights through their spirited rivalry.
The Controversial Rest That Impacted a Historic Record Chase
In a pivotal moment last January, the Philadelphia Eagles chose to rest Saquon Barkley during their regular-season finale, denying him the chance to break Eric Dickerson’s long-held single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards. Derrick Henry openly expressed his disappointment about this decision after reaching out to Barkley to find out if he would play. Henry’s reaction revealed the genuine desire shared by players and fans alike to witness Barkley’s pursuit of history.
Awwww — man! That was the thing; I think we all wanted to see it,
—Derrick Henry, NFL Running Back
Barkley finished the season with an astounding 2,005 rushing yards, missing Dickerson’s 1984 record by only 101 yards in a 16-game schedule. Because the Eagles were already locked into their playoff spot, the choice to rest Barkley sparked widespread debate about the significance of competing for milestones versus team strategy.
Encouraging Each Other’s Success as a Source of Motivation
Despite the intense competition between them, Henry has consistently expressed support and admiration for Barkley’s achievements. As the season progressed toward Super Bowl Sunday, Henry made it clear he was rooting for Barkley’s success, seeing it as motivation to fuel his own ambitions.
Heck yeah, I was rooting for him,
I love to see people accomplish their dreams, ’cause it motivates me to do the same thing. I love to see running backs happy.
—Derrick Henry, NFL Running Back
Henry emphasized that he does not harbor resentment toward other players’ successes. Instead, he takes inspiration from witnessing his peers‘ accomplishments, which propels him to elevate his performance on the field.
Last Season’s Standout Performances Showcase Elite Talent
In the previous season, Derrick Henry demonstrated his own elite skill by leading the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns and maintaining an impressive average of 5.9 yards per carry. These statistics highlight Henry’s dedication to his craft and the ongoing influence of the rivalry with Barkley in driving his quest for excellence.
Amid fierce competition across the league, the sportsmanship shared by Henry and Barkley stands out as a testament to the spirit of football. Their ongoing pursuit of records and victories reflects a broader narrative of inspiration, where individual milestones are celebrated while fueling collective motivation within the NFL.