Saquon Barkley's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Saquon Barkley. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2013: LeSean McCoy's Eagles Rushing Record

In 2013, LeSean McCoy set the Eagles' single-season rushing yards record.

2014: Mr. Pennsylvania Football Award

In 2014, Saquon Barkley was co-winner of the Mr. Pennsylvania Football award for the state's top player in divisions AAA/AAAA.

November 1, 2016: Maxwell Award Semifinalist

On November 1, 2016, Saquon Barkley was named a semi-finalist for the Maxwell Award, which recognizes the best all-around collegiate football player of the year.

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.

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: Co-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week

In the first game of the 2017 season against Akron, Saquon Barkley rushed for 172 yards and two touchdowns. He was named co-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts.

2018: "Saquon Barkley Day" Declared

In 2018, the Pennsylvania General Assembly voted to make March 14 a state holiday known as "Saquon Barkley Day." Barkley participated in a parade in his hometown.

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.

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.

September 10, 2021: Jersey Number Retired

On September 10, 2021, Whitehall High School retired Saquon Barkley's jersey number (#21) in recognition of his successful NFL career.

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.

2023: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players of 2023

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

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.

June 2025: Cover Athlete for Madden 26

In June 2025, Saquon Barkley was revealed as the cover athlete for Madden 26, becoming the second Eagle after Donovan McNabb for Madden 06 to grace the cover.