During the 2024 NFL season, Saquon Barkley delivered a standout performance with the Philadelphia Eagles, rushing for 2,005 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. This achievement made him the ninth running back in league history to surpass 2,000 yards in a single season. Barkley’s efforts were crucial in leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory against the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, Derrick Henry also enjoyed a strong campaign with the Baltimore Ravens, amassing 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, just shy of a second 2,000-yard season.
Henry’s Respect and Encouragement for Barkley Throughout the Season
Although Barkley edged out Henry in overall rushing yards, Henry expressed no jealousy and instead publicly supported Barkley’s journey toward his goals. Speaking with Mike Silver of The Athletic, Henry said,
“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. I’m not the guy who’s like, ‘Oh man, why is he doing this (and not me)?’ I love to see it. It fuels me.”
Henry’s admiration extended beyond Barkley’s Super Bowl win; he was also hopeful that Barkley would break Eric Dickerson’s 1984 single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards. However, Barkley was rested by the Eagles in the final regular-season game to ensure his health for the playoffs. Henry recalled reaching out to Barkley before Week 18, asking if he planned to play:
“I even wrote him [before week 18]: ‘Are you gonna play?’ He said no, and I was like, ‘Awwww — man!’ That was the thing; I think we all wanted to see [Barkley break the record],”
he shared with Silver.
Mutual Admiration Highlights Running Backs’ Importance
The mutual respect between Henry and Barkley extends beyond the field, with Barkley congratulating Henry following his contract extension with the Ravens earlier in the offseason. Both running backs have often been undervalued in an era where their position is sometimes overshadowed. Together, they have demonstrated the critical role running backs play in an offense while continuously supporting one another despite the league’s frequent downplaying of their contributions.
The Broader Impact on the NFL Running Back Position
Henry and Barkley’s achievements bring renewed attention to running backs’ potential impact on their teams. Henry’s record as the oldest player to rush for nearly 2,000 yards in a season at age 30 underscores the endurance and skill required to excel at this position. Barkley’s milestone efforts and Super Bowl victory highlight how dedicated players can define a franchise’s success. Their story serves to inspire running backs across the NFL, emphasizing resilience and mutual encouragement in a competitive sport.