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 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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1970: John Fuqua's Achievement

In 1970, John Fuqua was the last player before Saquon Barkley to rush for two 50-plus yard touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles in a single season.

2013: LeSean McCoy's Eagles Record

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

2014: Mr. Pennsylvania Football Award

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

2015: Track and Field Achievements

In 2015, as a senior, Saquon Barkley won Eastern Pennsylvania Conference gold medals in the 100-meter dash (11.15 seconds) and the long jump (22 ft 2.5 in) and set a Whitehall High School record with a time of 10.90 seconds in the 100-meter dash.

November 1, 2016: Maxwell Award Semi-Finalist

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

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.

2017: Awards and Records in 2017

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

2017: School Record for All-Purpose Yards

In 2017, Saquon Barkley set a school record for most all-purpose yards in a single game during Penn State's Big Ten opener against Iowa, leading to him being named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for the second time.

2017: Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week

In 2017, for his performance in the first game of the season against Akron, Saquon Barkley was named co-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week.

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.

2018: "Saquon Barkley Day" Declared in Pennsylvania

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

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.

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.

September 10, 2021: Jersey Retired by Whitehall High School

On September 10, 2021, Whitehall High School retired Saquon Barkley's jersey number (#21) to honor his achievements.

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: 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.

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: NFL Top 100 Players Ranking

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

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.

June 2025: Cover Athlete for Madden 26

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

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.