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 a professional American football running back currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. He had a prolific college career at Penn State University, where he established numerous school records for his offensive capabilities. Barkley opted to enter the NFL draft after three seasons with the Nittany Lions, forgoing his senior year.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1980: Matt Millen's NFL Career Start

Matt Millen began playing in the NFL in 1980 with the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders.

1991: Matt Millen's NFL Career End

Matt Millen finished playing in the NFL in 1991 with the Washington Redskins.

2003: Dan Koppen's NFL Career Start

Dan Koppen began playing in the NFL in 2003 with the New England Patriots.

2004: Terrell Owens Debut with three touchdowns

In 2024, Saquon Barkley became the first Eagles player to score three touchdowns in their debut with the team since Terrell Owens in 2004.

2006: Reggie Bush Drafted

In 2006, Reggie Bush was the highest drafted running back.

2013: Dan Koppen's NFL Career End

Dan Koppen finished playing in the NFL in 2013 with the Denver Broncos.

2013: Broke the Eagles' single-season rushing yards record

Saquon Barkley ran for 124 yards and broke the Eagles' single-season rushing yards record previously set by LeSean McCoy in 2013.

October 17, 2015: Performance Against Ohio State

On October 17, 2015, Saquon Barkley rushed for 194 yards on 26 carries against top-ranked Ohio State. During his freshman year at Penn State in 2015, Barkley rushed for 1,076 yards on 182 carries.

2015: Freshman Year at Penn State

In 2015, Saquon Barkley earned immediate playing time as a true freshman at Penn State. He rushed for 115 yards with a touchdown in his second game against Buffalo and 195 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries in his third game against Rutgers. He missed two games due to injury in October.

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 in the 2016 Big Ten Championship Game, helping Penn State recover from a 28–7 deficit to defeat Wisconsin, 38–31.

2016: Sophomore Year at Penn State

During his sophomore year at Penn State in 2016, Saquon Barkley rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown in a win over Kent State. He also scored five touchdowns in a game against Pitt. Against Minnesota, Barkley's 25-yard touchdown run in overtime gave Penn State the victory.

2017: Heisman Trophy and Award Recognition

In 2017, Saquon Barkley finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting, third in Maxwell Award voting, and received multiple national and Big Ten Conference awards. During his collegiate career he also set Penn State records for most all-purpose career yards, most career rushing touchdowns, most career receiving yards by a running back, most rushing yards by a freshman and sophomore, and most total yards in a single game.

2017: Rose Bowl Performance

In the 2017 Rose Bowl on January 2, Saquon Barkley had 25 carries for 194 yards, including a 79-yard rushing touchdown, though USC ultimately won the game, 52–49.

December 31, 2017: Declaration for NFL Draft

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

February 2018: Rising NFL Draft Stock

By late February 2018, Saquon Barkley's NFL draft stock rose, with some mock drafts projecting him as high as the second selection overall. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. called him a "once in a lifetime talent."

July 22, 2018: Signed with 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: Entering the NFL Draft

Entering the 2018 NFL draft, Barkley was widely projected to be a top 10 NFL pick.

2018: Drafted by New York Giants

In 2018, Saquon Barkley was selected second overall by the New York Giants in the NFL draft and set several NFL and team records en route to making the Pro Bowl and being named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

2019: Pro Bowl Election

In recognition of his rookie season accomplishments, Saquon Barkley was elected to the 2019 Pro Bowl, where he helped the NFC win the Skills Showdown.

September 22, 2020: Placed on injured reserve

On September 22, 2020, Saquon Barkley was placed on injured reserve following a torn ACL that ended his 2020 season.

2020: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players of 2020

In 2020, Saquon Barkley finished his sophomore season with over 1,000 rushing yards and was ranked 31st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

April 28, 2021: Giants Picked Up Barkley's Fifth-Year Option

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

2022: Named to the Pro Bowl

In 2022, Saquon Barkley finished the season with 1,312 rushing yards and was named to the Pro Bowl.

2022: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2022, Saquon Barkley was named to the Pro Bowl.

2022: Contract guaranteed for 2022 season

Saquon Barkley's contract worth a guaranteed $7.217 million for the 2022 season.

March 7, 2023: Giants Placed Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag on Barkley

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

2023: Signed with the Eagles

Following the 2023 season, Saquon Barkley became a free agent and signed a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, setting numerous franchise records and rushing for over 2,000 yards in his first season with the team, along with helping Philadelphia win Super Bowl LIX and being named AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year. During the team's Super Bowl LIX win, Barkley broke the record for most rushing yards in one season, previously held by Terrell Davis.

2023: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players of 2023

In 2023, Saquon Barkley was ranked 31st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players.

2023: Finished 2023 season with the Giants

Saquon Barkley finished the 2023 season with 247 carries for 962 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, along with 41 receptions for 280 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.

March 13, 2024: Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles

On March 13, 2024, Saquon Barkley signed a three-year $37.75 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, with $26 million guaranteed.

September 6, 2024: Eagles Debut and NFC Offensive Player of the Week

On September 6, 2024, Saquon Barkley debuted with the Eagles, rushing for 109 yards with two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

March 4, 2025: Signed Contract Extension with the Eagles

On March 4, 2025, Saquon Barkley signed a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension with the Eagles, becoming the highest-paid running back in NFL history.