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 previously starred at Penn State University, where he established numerous school records during his three seasons with the Nittany Lions. He opted to forgo his senior year to enter the NFL. He is known for his impressive offensive skills and athletic abilities.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1980: Matt Millen's NFL Career Start

In 1980, Matt Millen began his NFL career, playing for the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders.

1991: Matt Millen's NFL Career End

In 1991, Matt Millen's NFL career ended after playing for the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins.

1995: Ki-Jana Carter Drafted First Overall

In 1995, Ki-Jana Carter of Penn State was the last running back before Saquon Barkley to be considered for the first overall pick in the NFL draft.

2003: Dan Koppen's NFL Career Start

In 2003, Dan Koppen began his NFL career with the New England Patriots.

2004: Terrell Owens' Eagles Debut

In 2004, Terrell Owens also scored three touchdowns in his debut with the Philadelphia Eagles, a feat that Saquon Barkley matched in his debut on September 6, 2024.

2006: Reggie Bush High Draft Pick

In 2006, Reggie Bush was the highest drafted running back, a milestone that Saquon Barkley aimed to surpass leading up to the 2018 NFL draft.

2013: Dan Koppen's NFL Career End

In 2013, Dan Koppen's NFL career ended after playing with the Denver Broncos.

October 17, 2015: Game Against Ohio State

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

2015: Freshman Year at Penn State

In 2015, Saquon Barkley earned immediate playing time as a true freshman at Penn State, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown in his second game against Buffalo.

December 3, 2016: Big Ten Championship Game

On December 3, 2016, Saquon Barkley helped Penn State win the 2016 Big Ten Championship Game against Wisconsin, contributing a rushing and receiving touchdown.

2016: Sophomore Year at Penn State

In 2016, Saquon Barkley, in his sophomore year at Penn State, rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown in a win over Kent State and scored five touchdowns in a game against Pitt, showcasing his crucial role in the team's performance.

2017: 2017 Rose Bowl Performance

In the 2017 Rose Bowl on January 2, Saquon Barkley rushed for 194 yards and scored three touchdowns, including a 79-yard run, despite Penn State losing the game.

December 31, 2017: Declared for the 2018 NFL Draft

On December 31, 2017, Saquon Barkley announced 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

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

July 22, 2018: Signed 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: Declared for NFL Draft

In 2018, Saquon Barkley declared his intention to forgo his senior year at Penn State and enter the 2018 NFL draft.

2018: Selected by the New York Giants

In 2018, Saquon Barkley was selected second overall by the New York Giants in the NFL draft, setting records and making the Pro Bowl, ultimately named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

2019: Elected to the 2019 Pro Bowl

In 2019, Saquon Barkley was elected to the 2019 Pro Bowl after a stellar rookie season, also helping the NFC win the Skills Showdown.

2019: Ranked on NFL's Top 100 players and Team Captain

In 2019, Saquon Barkley was ranked No. 16 on the NFL's Top 100 players and was chosen by his teammates as one of seven team captains for the 2019 season.

September 22, 2020: Placed on injured reserve

On September 22, 2020, Saquon Barkley was placed on injured reserve following a knee injury diagnosed as a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

2020: Sophomore Season and NFL Ranking

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

April 28, 2021: Giants Pick Up 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: Successful Season and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2022, Saquon Barkley had a successful season with 295 carries for 1,312 rushing yards, ten rushing touchdowns, 57 receptions for 338 receiving yards, and was named to the Pro Bowl. He finished fourth in the NFL and first in the NFC in rushing yards.

2022: Guaranteed Contract

In 2022, Saquon Barkley played under a contract that guaranteed him $7.217 million.

2022: Named to Pro Bowl in 2022

In 2022, Saquon Barkley was named to the Pro Bowl again, marking a significant achievement in his NFL career.

March 7, 2023: Franchise Tag Placed on Saquon Barkley

On March 7, 2023, the Giants placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Saquon Barkley. He later signed the franchise tag after adjustments.

2023: Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles

In 2023, Saquon Barkley became a free agent and signed a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, establishing franchise records and contributing significantly to the team's success.

2023: 2023 Season Performance

In 2023, Saquon Barkley concluded the season with 247 carries for 962 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, along with 41 receptions for 280 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns, across 14 games and starts.

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. Barkley expressed dissatisfaction with negotiations with the Giants.

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

On September 6, 2024, Saquon Barkley made his debut with the Eagles, rushing for 109 yards with two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown in a victory over the Green Bay Packers. He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

March 4, 2025: Contract Extension with the Eagles

On March 4, 2025, Saquon Barkley signed a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension with the Eagles, including $36 million guaranteed. The contract made him the highest-paid running back in NFL history based on average salary.

2025: Super Bowl LIX victory and NFL Records

In 2025, Saquon Barkley and the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX. Barkley set NFL records for most rushing yards (2,504) and scrimmage yards (2,857) in a full season, surpassing Terrell Davis. He was ranked the best player in the NFL by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025.