Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley left his mark on the NFL last season, ending with his first Super Bowl win.
Barkley, in his first season with the Eagles, recorded his best numbers of his seven-year career. The former New York Giants star finished with 345 carries for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns, all career highs.
Following the Eagles' organized team activities (OTAs) in late May and early June, Philadelphia kicked off mandatory minicamps on Tuesday. And Barkley was in attendance at the NovaCare Complex to begin preparation for his second year in Philly.
According to The Athletic’s Zach Berman, Barkley took part in the Eagles’ media availability and said he “feels like he’s entering his prime.” The former Penn State standout also addressed his retirement plans, or lack thereof.
“I don’t plan on retiring anytime soon," Barkley said.
While Barkley may still be in his prime, his eventual retirement could come as a surprise. In a recent episode of "Green Light with Chris Long," the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year said he’ll likely retire “out of nowhere.”
"I'll probably [be] one of those guys that it would be out of nowhere," Barkley commented. "I'll probably just wake up one day, whether it's next year or two years or four years and just be like, yeah, it's over. I don't think I will ever lose that passion."
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley
=Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Barkley also mentioned he might retire in a manner similar to Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders. After rushing for 1,491 yards in the 1998 season, Sanders announced his retirement just before the start of the 1999 training camp.
"The competitive nature is always going to be there," Barkley added. "I like, probably my favorite player of all time is Barry Sanders, so probably similar to that. Maybe one day, like it'll be out of nowhere, I'll probably be ballin', and just be like, yeah, call it quits."
Barkley and the Eagles will begin their Super Bowl defense in Week 1 on Thursday, September 4, facing NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys in the season opener.