Saquon Barkley has long been known as one of the NFL's most electrifying running backs. This season with the New York Giants, he is pushing the boundaries of his illustrious career and potentially making history. Already, Barkley has rushed for an impressive 1,623 yards over 13 games, surpassing the single-season rushing record of 1,607 yards set by the Philadelphia Eagles' LeSean McCoy in 2013.
Pursuit of Greatness
The level of excellence Barkley is pursuing is apparent in his dedication and mindset. "I never wrote goals down to break it, but you're always aware of it," Barkley reflected on the idea of achieving records. His current average of 124.8 rushing yards per game sets him on a remarkable pace to finish the season with 2,122 yards. This would not only mark personal success but also leave him within striking distance of Eric Dickerson's all-time single-season record of 2,105 yards, a mark that has stood since 1984.
An Unyielding Competitor
With four games remaining in the season, Barkley is acutely aware of the challenges and potential rewards that lie ahead. He needs 483 more yards to surpass Dickerson's longstanding record. Performing at a consistent average of 6.1 yards per carry, Barkley channels his drive into every play. Despite not explicitly aiming for the record, he states, "That's how I train. That's how I operate in the offseason and in camp, because I want to be great."
Barkley is not merely focused on his personal accolades. "I want to win football games, and do something special for this city, and we know what that is," he says, highlighting a selfless outlook amid his personal achievements. For Barkley, success is intertwined with team victory, and he embraces the opportunity to contribute to both.
Efficiency and Legacy
His efficiency draws comparisons to legends like Barry Sanders, known for optimal rushing seasons, and Adrian Peterson, who last averaged over 100 rushing yards per game with a similar efficiency in 2012. Barkley's ability to combine high efficiency with extraordinary yardage per game has not been seen in over a decade.
As he continues to dominate on the field, Barkley's awareness of his talent is matched only by his humility and gratitude. "I'm very aware God has blessed me with a tremendous talent and put me in a great situation here... to be able to play behind those guys and to play with the organization -- to be able to do stuff like that," he acknowledges. Such perspectives fortify his unwavering commitment to leave a legacy not just through numbers but through his influence on and off the field.
A Season to Remember
Barkley's stellar season has reinvigorated the Giants' fan base and elevated his status within the league. Whether or not he breaks Dickerson's record, this season will be etched as a testament to Barkley's prowess and determination. His journey encapsulates more than just statistics, serving as an inspiration to many due to his adherence to principles of hard work and team-first mentality.
"Obviously, that would be extremely cool to do, but at the end of the day, if it happens, it happens," Barkley comments on the possibility of making history. "But not with the mindset of I'm scared to go try to do it. Whatever it takes to win football games, if that's in the way of it, then that's in the way of it." His focus remains steadfast on the ultimate goal: victories for the Giants and possibly instating a new rushing benchmark along the way.
This season, Barkley is not just rewriting record books; he is defining what it means to be an elite athlete dedicated to achieving greatness through poise and purpose. As the final games unfold, all eyes will be on Barkley to see how high he can soar as he carries the hopes of a team and a city on his shoulders.