History of Saquon Barkley in Timeline
Saquon Barkley is an American football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at Penn State where he set numerous offensive records over three seasons. Barkley decided to forgo his senior year to enter the NFL in 2018.
1970: Barkley's Impressive Rookie Season
During his rookie season in 1970, Saquon Barkley had an impressive performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, rushing for two 50-plus yard touchdowns. He became the first player to achieve this feat against the Eagles in a single season since John Fuqua in 1970.
1980: Matt Millen's NFL Career Begins
Matt Millen's NFL journey began in 1980, marking the start of a successful career with various teams.
1991: Matt Millen's NFL Career Concludes
In 1991, Matt Millen concluded his NFL career after playing for several teams, including the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Redskins.
1995: Barkley's Combine Performance
Saquon Barkley's performance at the NFL Combine was widely praised. His standout performance even led to the Cleveland Browns considering drafting him first overall, a feat not achieved by a running back since Ki-Jana Carter in 1995.
February 9, 1997: Saquon Barkley is Born
Saquon Barkley was born on February 9, 1997.
2001: Barkley Family Moves to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
In 2001, the Barkley family moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
2003: Dan Koppen's NFL Debut
Dan Koppen started his NFL career in 2003, joining the New England Patriots.
2005: Barkley Family Relocates to Coplay
In 2005, the Barkley family moved to Coplay, Pennsylvania.
2013: Dan Koppen's NFL Career Ends
In 2013, Dan Koppen retired from the NFL after playing for the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos.
October 17, 2015: Barkley's Standout Performance Against Ohio State
Saquon Barkley rushed for 194 yards on 26 carries against top-ranked Ohio State on October 17, 2015, during his freshman year at Penn State.
2015: Barkley's Freshman Year at Penn State
Saquon Barkley started playing as a true freshman at Penn State in 2015, quickly showcasing his talent. He faced a setback with an injury that caused him to miss two games, but he bounced back, demonstrating his resilience and determination.
2015: Barkley's High School Athletic Achievements
Saquon Barkley excelled in track and field during his senior year in 2015, winning gold medals in the 100-meter dash and long jump at the PIAA District 11 meet. He also set a Whitehall High School record in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.90 seconds.
November 1, 2016: Barkley Named Maxwell Award Semifinalist
On November 1, 2016, Saquon Barkley was recognized as a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, highlighting his exceptional skills and impact on the field.
December 3, 2016: Barkley's Contribution to Big Ten Championship Win
Saquon Barkley's performance on December 3, 2016, including a rushing and receiving touchdown, played a pivotal role in Penn State's comeback victory against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game.
2016: Barkley's Sophomore Year at Penn State
Saquon Barkley continued to excel during his sophomore year at Penn State in 2016. Notably, he led the Nittany Lions in multiple comeback efforts, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and make game-changing plays.
2017: Barkley's Award-Winning Season
In 2017, Saquon Barkley received national recognition for his performance on the field, including finishing fourth in Heisman Trophy voting and third in Maxwell Award voting.
2017: Barkley's Record-Breaking Performance Against Iowa
Saquon Barkley led Penn State to victory against Iowa in 2017 with a record-breaking performance, achieving a school record for most all-purpose yards in a single game (358 yards). This accomplishment earned him the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week award.
2017: Barkley Shines in the Rose Bowl
Saquon Barkley showcased his talent and athleticism in the 2017 Rose Bowl with 25 carries for 194 yards, including a 79-yard touchdown, despite Penn State's loss to USC.
2017: Barkley's Impressive Start to Junior Year
Saquon Barkley started his junior year at Penn State with a strong performance, rushing for 172 yards and two touchdowns against Akron. His efforts earned him the title of co-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week.
December 31, 2017: Barkley Declares for NFL Draft
On December 31, 2017, after a successful Fiesta Bowl performance, Saquon Barkley announced his decision to forgo his senior year at Penn State and enter the 2018 NFL draft.
February 2018: Barkley's Stock Rises Ahead of NFL Draft
In February 2018, Saquon Barkley's draft stock soared, with projections placing him as high as the second overall pick, marking the highest position for a running back since Reggie Bush in 2006.
April 24, 2018: Birth of Jada Clare Barkley
On April 24, 2018, Saquon Barkley's daughter, Jada Clare Barkley, was born.
July 22, 2018: Barkley Drafted by the New York Giants
On July 22, 2018, Saquon Barkley signed a lucrative four-year rookie contract with the New York Giants, who had selected him as the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
2018: Barkley Enters the NFL
Saquon Barkley entered the NFL in 2018 after a successful college football career at Penn State.
2018: Barkley's Transition to the NFL
Saquon Barkley's declaration to enter the 2018 NFL draft marked a significant step in his football career, transitioning from collegiate success to the professional league.
2018: Drafted by the New York Giants
Saquon Barkley was drafted second overall by the New York Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft.
2018: Saquon Barkley Day in Pennsylvania
In 2018, the Pennsylvania General Assembly declared March 14 as 'Saquon Barkley Day'. Barkley celebrated with a parade in his hometown of Coplay, Pennsylvania, featuring the Whitehall High School marching band and local youth football players.
2019: Barkley Selected for Pro Bowl
In 2019, Saquon Barkley was honored for his outstanding rookie season by being selected to the Pro Bowl. He also showcased his skills by contributing to the NFC's victory in the Skills Showdown.
2019: Barkley Named Team Captain
In 2019, after just one season with the Giants, Saquon Barkley was named team captain by his teammates, an honor rarely given to players with only one year of experience on a team.
September 22, 2020: Barkley Suffers Season-Ending Injury
On September 22, 2020, Saquon Barkley's 2020 season ended prematurely due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee. The injury occurred during a game against the Chicago Bears, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
2020: Barkley's Sophomore Season
In 2020, Saquon Barkley continued to impress, becoming the only running back in Giants history to achieve 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first two seasons. His performance earned him recognition from his peers, ranking 31st on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.
2020: Barkley Faces Injuries
Saquon Barkley encountered injuries during the 2020 NFL season, presenting a challenge to his burgeoning career.
April 28, 2021: Giants Exercise Barkley's Contract Option
On April 28, 2021, the New York Giants made a significant decision regarding Saquon Barkley's future by exercising the fifth-year option on his contract. This move guaranteed Barkley a substantial $7.217 million for the 2022 season.
September 10, 2021: Barkley's Jersey Retired
Whitehall High School retired Saquon Barkley's number (#21) on September 10, 2021, honoring his successful football career.
November 3, 2021: Barkley Enters COVID-19 Protocol
On November 3, 2021, the Giants announced that Saquon Barkley was being placed in the NFL's COVID-19 protocol, adding another challenge to his season.
September 2022: Birth of Saquon Jr.
In September 2022, Saquon Barkley's son, Saquon Jr., was born.
2022: Barkley's 2022 NFL Season Highlights
In 2022, Saquon Barkley had a standout season with numerous highlights, including rushing for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns, and making 57 receptions for 338 yards. He had several significant performances, such as rushing for 164 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 against the Titans, 126 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in Week 3 against the Cowboys, and 146 rushing yards in Week 4 against the Bears. He was named to the Pro Bowl and played a key role in the Giants' playoff victory over the Vikings with 109 scrimmage yards and two rushing touchdowns. He finished fourth in the NFL and first in the NFC in rushing yards.
2022: Barkley's Performance in 2021
In the 2022 season, Saquon Barkley participated in 13 games, accumulating 593 rushing yards and scoring two rushing touchdowns. He also showcased his receiving skills with 41 receptions for 263 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
2022: Barkley's Pro Bowl Return
Saquon Barkley was named to the Pro Bowl again in 2022, marking his return to top form after recovering from injuries.
March 7, 2023: Giants Place Franchise Tag on Barkley
On March 7, 2023, the New York Giants placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Saquon Barkley. He later signed the tag with adjustments that included a $2 million signing bonus and additional incentives.
2023: Barkley's 2023 NFL Performance
In 2023, Saquon Barkley continued to demonstrate his prowess on the field, finishing the season with 962 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, and 41 receptions for 280 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns in 14 games. Notable performances included 128 rushing yards in Week 8 against the Jets, 140 scrimmage yards and two receiving touchdowns in Week 11 against the Commanders, and two rushing touchdowns in Week 18 against Philadelphia.
March 13, 2024: Barkley Signs with Philadelphia Eagles
On March 13, 2024, Saquon Barkley signed a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, marking a significant career transition.