Saquon Barkley and the making of ‘2K Sa’
As Saquon Barkley stood at his locker, surrounded by cameras and reporters, you could sense the tension between his pursuit of legacy and his commitment to family and team. The Eagles running back was addressing the organizational decision to halt his chase of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record.
Barkley’s father, Alibay, took the news hardest. On New Year’s Day, Alibay had called to check in, and that’s when Barkley shared the news that Coach Nick Sirianni would announce the next day: the Eagles would rest their starters in the regular-season finale against Barkley’s former team, the New York Giants, to ensure they were fresh for the playoffs. This meant Barkley would fall 100 yards short of breaking the record.
“My dad wanted me to play. Selfishly, you can understand why,” Barkley said. “No matter how long it took—whether a year or 40 to 50 years—our last name would’ve been attached to it.” But Barkley emphasized, “At the end of the day, the most important thing is winning football games, and he’s the one who raised me to be all about the team. So, he’ll have his selfish moment, but he’ll get over it.”
Barkley has never been shy about his ambitions. Shortly after joining the Eagles on a three-year, $38 million contract, Barkley boldly stated his goal: “I want to be the best of all time.”
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In 2024, he put together one of the best seasons by a running back in NFL history, becoming just the ninth player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season.
Achieving the “2K Sa” milestone—something he proudly shared on social media after surpassing the mark against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17—was no easy feat. The Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania native’s journey has been filled with highs and lows: from a high school backup to a Penn State star, to the Giants’ No. 2 overall pick, with Pro Bowls, contract disputes, and devastating injuries along the way.
A torn right ACL, which he attributes partly to running with a chip on his shoulder to prove his doubters wrong, left a lasting impact on his approach when he returned to MetLife Stadium in late October.
Barkley quickly earned the respect of his new locker room by putting his teammates first, showing humility, and making selfless decisions—most notably when he turned down the opportunity to set a personal single-game rushing record against the Giants. Instead, he told head coach Nick Sirianni he’d rather “let the young guys eat.” Gestures like that have defined his career, just as they did in high school when he won a gold medal in the 100-meter finals for Whitehall High—only to give it away to a competitor whose medal had been unfairly taken due to a timing error. Or at Penn State, when he made it a habit to tip the waitress whenever a fan sent him a drink, even as he tried to keep a low profile in the back of the bar.
He also acknowledges those who helped him along the way. A running backs coach who provided a timely confidence boost. A dominant offensive line and elite playmakers like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jalen Hurts, who sacrificed personal stats—and Pro Bowl honors—to let Barkley thrive. His inner circle, led by fiancée Anna Congdon, quite literally helped him up the stairs when his injured knee left his signature massive quads reduced to the size of a “small person’s” as he learned to walk again.
“You go through things—injuries, contract negotiations—stuff I didn’t even realize was weighing on me because I was always trying to be this superhero, this tough guy,” Barkley told ESPN. “It’s not easy to fight battles alone. It’s easier with the right people around you. I think you’re seeing it now—on a great team, you see the kind of player I am. And that applies to life, too.”
This season has been defined by selflessness—flowing both from Barkley and toward him. So it’s fitting that the regular season ended with him on the sideline, just a football field away from history but fully locked in on the Eagles’ ultimate goal: a championship run, starting Sunday against the Packers in the NFC wild-card round (4:30 p.m. ET, Fox).
What is 2K Sa?
2K Sa is a reference to Saquon Barkley’s goal of reaching 2,000 rushing yards in a single NFL season, showcasing his drive for excellence.
What inspired Saquon Barkley’s journey in football?
Barkley’s love for football started in his early years, inspired by his family and fueled by his relentless work ethic and determination.
How did Saquon Barkley earn the respect of his teammates?
Barkley is known for his selfless leadership, including moments like choosing to let younger teammates shine instead of chasing personal records.
What challenges has Saquon Barkley overcome?
He has battled major injuries, contract negotiations, and immense pressure, yet remained focused on his ultimate goal—helping his team win a championship.
How does 2K Sa reflect Barkley’s mindset?
It represents his relentless pursuit of greatness, his commitment to the team, and his belief that success is about more than just personal stats.
How has Barkley’s support system influenced his career?
His family, coaches, and teammates have played a huge role, especially during his injury recovery, helping him stay motivated and return stronger.
What role does selflessness play in Barkley’s approach to the game?
Barkley has always prioritized team success over individual accolades, a mindset that has made him a respected leader on and off the field.
What’s next for Saquon Barkley?
With a focus on winning a Super Bowl, Barkley continues to push himself to be the best version of himself, both as a player and a leader.
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Conclusion
Saquon Barkley’s journey—marked by resilience, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence—goes beyond statistics. 2K Sa isn’t just about a milestone; it represents his mindset, leadership, and dedication to his team. Whether overcoming injuries, lifting his teammates, or striving for a Super Bowl, Barkley’s story is one of perseverance and purpose. As he continues to chase greatness, one thing remains clear: his legacy will be defined not just by his records, but by the impact he leaves on and off the field.