Career Timeline of Saquon Barkley: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Saquon Barkley made an impact.

Saquon Barkley is an American professional football running back currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. He gained prominence during his college career at Penn State, where he established numerous school records as an offensive powerhouse. Barkley opted to enter the NFL Draft after three highly successful seasons with the Nittany Lions.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2004: Terrell Owens' Eagles Debut

In 2004, Terrell Owens scored three touchdowns in his debut with the Eagles.

October 17, 2015: Rushing Performance Against Ohio State

On October 17, 2015, in his first game back from injury, Saquon Barkley rushed for 194 yards on 26 carries against top-ranked Ohio State.

2015: Freshman Year at Penn State

In 2015, Saquon Barkley began his college football career as a true freshman at Penn State, quickly earning playing time. He overcame an initial slow start to rush for 115 yards and a touchdown in his second game against Buffalo and followed it up with 195 yards and two touchdowns against Rutgers. He missed two games in October due to injury.

2015: Track and Field Achievements

In 2015, as a senior, Saquon Barkley excelled in track and field at Whitehall, winning Eastern Pennsylvania Conference gold medals in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.15 seconds and in the long jump with a distance of 22 ft 2.5 in. At the PIAA District 11 meet, he also earned a second-place finish in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.90 seconds, setting a Whitehall High School record.

December 3, 2016: Big Ten Championship Win

On December 3, 2016, Saquon Barkley had 19 carries for 83 yards, rushed for a touchdown, and caught another touchdown, helping Penn State recover from a 28–7 deficit to defeat Wisconsin 38–31 in the 2016 Big Ten Championship Game.

2016: Sophomore Year at Penn State

In 2016, during his sophomore year at Penn State, Saquon Barkley rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown in the first game against Kent State. Against Pitt, Barkley scored five touchdowns but a late interception denied the Nittany Lions' comeback. Later in the season against Minnesota, Barkley's overtime touchdown secured a victory after he struggled during regular playing time.

2017: Record-Setting Performance Against Iowa

During Penn State's 2017 Big Ten opener against Iowa, Saquon Barkley recorded 358 all-purpose yards, setting a school record for most all-purpose yards in a single game. For his efforts, Barkley was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week again.

2017: Rose Bowl Performance

In the 2017 Rose Bowl, Saquon Barkley had 25 carries for 194 yards, including a 79-yard rushing touchdown that gave Penn State a lead. Despite his strong performance, USC ultimately won the game 52-49.

December 31, 2017: Declaration for the NFL Draft

On December 31, 2017, following Penn State's Fiesta Bowl victory, Saquon Barkley declared his intention to forgo his senior year at Penn State and enter the 2018 NFL draft.

February 2018: Rising Draft Stock

In February 2018, leading up to the NFL Combine, Saquon Barkley's draft stock rose, with some mock drafts projecting him as high as the second overall pick.

July 22, 2018: Signing with the New York Giants

On July 22, 2018, Saquon Barkley signed a four-year rookie contract with the New York Giants, worth $31.2 million fully guaranteed.

2018: Preparation for NFL Draft

In 2018, Saquon Barkley decided to enter the NFL draft.

2019: Team Captain

In 2019, Saquon Barkley was chosen by his teammates as one of seven team captains for the season, an honor rarely given to players after only one year on the team.

2019: Pro Bowl Selection

In recognition of his successful rookie season, Saquon Barkley was elected to the 2019 Pro Bowl.

September 22, 2020: Placed on injured reserve

On September 22, 2020, Saquon Barkley was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL during a game against the Bears.

2020: Sophomore Season and NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2020, Saquon Barkley finished his sophomore season as the only running back in Giants' history to have 1,000 rushing yards in their first two seasons. He was also ranked 31st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

April 28, 2021: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up

On April 28, 2021, the Giants picked up the fifth-year option on Saquon Barkley's contract, guaranteeing him $7.217 million for the 2022 season.

2022: Contract Guaranteed

In 2022, Saquon Barkley had a guaranteed $7.217 million contract for the season.

2022: Successful Season and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2022, Saquon Barkley rushed for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns, along with 57 receptions. He was also named to the Pro Bowl and finished fourth in the NFL in rushing yards.

March 7, 2023: Franchise Tag Placed

On March 7, 2023, the Giants placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Saquon Barkley.

2023: 2023 Season Performance

In the 2023 season, Saquon Barkley recorded 962 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, 41 receptions, and four receiving touchdowns.

March 13, 2024: Signed with Philadelphia Eagles

On March 13, 2024, Saquon Barkley signed a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles for $37.75 million, with $26 million guaranteed. Barkley expressed feeling disrespected by the Giants' negotiation tactics.

September 6, 2024: Eagles Debut

On September 6, 2024, Saquon Barkley debuted with the Eagles, rushing for 109 yards with two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown in a victory over the Green Bay Packers. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance, becoming the first Eagles player to score three touchdowns in their debut with the team since Terrell Owens in 2004.

March 4, 2025: Signed Contract Extension with Eagles

On March 4, 2025, Saquon Barkley signed a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension with the Eagles that included $36 million guaranteed and up to $15 million more in incentives. Barkley became the highest paid running back in NFL history.