Saquon Barkley cites Barry Sanders' teammate spirit as his own inspiration

During an interview on the AP’s “On Football” podcast, Saquon Barkley explained that a childhood NFL Films clip of Barry Sanders distributing Gatorade to his teammates shaped his view of leadership. While most remember Sanders for his dazzling runs, Barkley was struck by the Hall of Famer’s sideline generosity, prompting him to “give his flowers” to Sanders. In 2024, Barkley became one of nine players to reach 2,000 rushing yards, earned AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors, and contributed to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl victory.

He demonstrated his own selflessness by forgoing a final regular-season game when a record chase loomed and by urging coach Nick Sirianni to share carries after a big performance against his former Giants. Barkley attributes his mindset to his parents, Alibay Barkley and Tonya Johnson, and to the culture fostered by the Eagles. Off the field, his acrobatic play landed him on the Madden 2026 cover and in a DIRECTV commercial showcasing his one outlet flair.