PHILADELPHIA — Saquon Barkley recently shared an emotional conversation with his father regarding his pursuit of the NFL single-season rushing record. It seemed more like a moment of disappointment than excitement as the Philadelphia Eagles running back announced he would not participate in the season’s final game on Sunday, effectively ending his quest to break Eric Dickerson’s record.
Barkley described the call with his father, Alibay, revealing that his dad had hoped to see him play and possibly secure the record that would have linked their family name to a significant achievement in NFL history. “I see it from that side, too,” Barkley reflected. “At the end of the day, the most important thing is winning football games. He raised me to prioritize the team.” Although he understood his father’s disappointment, Barkley emphasized that team success outweighs personal milestones.
The decision to rest Barkley was not made lightly, as he finishes the season with a commendable 2,005 rushing yards, falling just 101 yards short of Dickerson’s longstanding record of 2,105 yards from his time with the Los Angeles Rams in 1984. With the Eagles already securing the NFC East title and a coveted No. 2 seed in the conference, the coaching staff decided that the risk of injury to their star back was not worth pursuing individual records.
Head coach Nick Sirianni ultimately made the decision to rest Barkley after discussions with various team members, including players, coaches, and general manager Howie Roseman. Barkley voiced his support for the decision, stating, “I may never get another opportunity like that again, but I don’t care for putting the team at risk.”
Sirianni’s plan involves resting several key players, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was sidelined due to a lingering concussion. The Eagles aim to ensure that their roster is fully prepared for the upcoming playoff games, with hopes of making a deep postseason run.
Reflecting on the situation, Barkley expressed gratitude that he didn’t have to make the decision himself. “Nick made it pretty easy on me, and I’m truly at peace with it,” he said. Despite the disappointment of not achieving the record, the athlete acknowledged that he prioritized the team’s health and readiness for the playoffs over personal glory.
The Eagles had a challenging journey this season, returning from a rocky start to ultimately dominate their division with ten straight victories. However, the toll of the season, including Barkley’s NFL-high 345 carries, contributed to the decision for a midseason rest ahead of the playoffs. Inside the locker room, there was a sense of somberness as team members recognized Barkley’s remarkable run would not culminate in the record-setting moment they hoped for.
Barkley, who had an impressive performance with 167 rushing yards in a recent match against Dallas, acknowledged his desire to claim the record. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to making the best choices for the team, even if it meant sitting out the final game. Though he expressed regret about missing the chance at history, he concluded that prioritizing team success and health is paramount.
Throughout the season, Barkley has made a significant mark, surpassing legendary figures from the Eagles’ past. He set a new franchise record for rushing yards in a single season and tallied an impressive total of 2,283 scrimmage yards—exceeding the previous mark held by LeSean McCoy in 2013.
While Barkley reflects on his missed opportunity to challenge Dickerson’s record, he also expressed gratitude for the season and his remarkable accomplishments. “If I had to go out there and get the record, I felt really good enough to do it,” Barkley commented. Yet, with the playoffs on the horizon, he underscores his commitment to the ultimate goal: winning a Super Bowl.
As for Hurts, he remains under concussion protocol and is yet to be cleared for practice. Following the Eagles’ previous matchup, quarterback Kenny Pickett filled in during the game but was injured, leaving Tanner McKee as the likely starter for Sunday’s matchup.
Reflecting on what could have been, Barkley also acknowledges the historical context of his pursuit. Dickerson achieved his record while playing in a 16-game season when the league had fewer games, making comparisons challenging. Barkley remarked on the primary reason for his signing with the Eagles, saying, “I didn’t sign here to break Eric Dickerson’s record. I came here to win a Super Bowl.”
