Saquon Barkley earns NFC Offensive Player of the Week

With Barkley, it’s always about team.

“The success I’ve had reaching this level, the success I have in games, it’s all because of the people around me,” said Barkley, addressing a room full of fans and professionals dressed in Eagles colors, part of an event sponsored by Nationwide, the presenting partner of The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award (Barkley was the Giants’ nominee in 2022 and 2023). “This is something I’ve always dreamed about since I was a little kid. So here I am, literally living out my dream. Every part of this is something I cherish.

“My job is to do what I can do to help us win football games. Last week, playing against the Giants, it was a different kind of experience. I know there was a lot of talk about it and hype and that was fun. The focus was on the game and finding a way to win. We accomplished that. No matter what I did, the bottom line is that we won the football game.”

Barkley knows he has all the pieces around him to have great football days and nights ahead. Daily preparation is his focus.

That, and then going out and making a difference on the football field.

“I think every great player wants to be able to contribute as much as possible,” said Barkley, who cited former Lions running back Barry Sanders as the greatest pure running back and former Bears running back Walter Payton as the best all-around back that Barkley has studied. “I want to be the best player I can possibly be. That’s how I approach my job every day.”

When it was over on Tuesday night, the packed house gave Barkley a standing ovation and started an E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES chant and Barkley smiled ear to ear.

His decision to sign with the Eagles in free agency in the spring clearly has been a win/win/win for every side.

“There were a lot of factors that went into it – including being closer to home and my family for me – and it’s been great,” he said. “I love the guys, the team we have. The organization has been good for a really long time. There is a winning culture here and the Eagles fans, they love the team. The Eagles mean so much to them, so to be part of that every day, it’s an awesome feeling. They are vocal, but they’re vocal because they care. They want it as much as us. As a player, that’s what you want.”

Great feelings. Body and mind. Six games in, the Barkley addition has worked for the Eagles, and it has worked for Barkley. The next steps are exciting, and everyone is looking forward to seeing what’s next.