Eric Dickerson set the NFL’s single-season rushing record with 2,105 yards in 1984. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has 1,838 rushing yards through 15 games. Barkley is 268 yards from breaking the record.
Eric Dickerson On Saquon Barkley’s Pursuit Of Rushing Record
Eric Dickerson on Saquon:
“I don’t think he’ll break it. But if he breaks it, he breaks it. Do I want him to break it? Absolutely not. I don’t pull no punches on that. But I’m not whining about it. He had 17 games to do it? Hey, football is football.”https://t.co/8b9S8FhKxJ
— Sam Farmer (@LATimesfarmer) December 26, 2024
In an interview with the LA Times, Dickerson was asked about the possibility of Barkley breaking his rushing record. Let’s just say Dickerson is not rooting for it to happen.
“I don’t think he’ll break it. But if he breaks it, he breaks it,” Dickerson said. “Do I want him to break it? Absolutely not. I don’t pull no punches on that. But I’m not whining about it.”
Dickerson pointed out that he set his record in 16 games, while Barkley will have 17 to do it.
“He had 17 games to do it? Hey, football is football,” Dickerson added. “That’s the way I look at it. If he’s fortunate to get over 2,000 yards and get the record, it’s a great record to have.”
Who Has The Most Rushing Yards In A Single NFL Season?
| Player | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|
| Eric Dickerson (1984) | 2,105 |
| Adrian Peterson (2012) | 2,097 |
| Jamal Lewis (2003) | 2,066 |
| Barry Sanders (1997) | 2,053 |
| Derrick Henry (2020) | 2,027 |
| Terrell Davis (1998) | 2,008 |
| Chris Johnson (2009) | 2,006 |
| O.J. Simpson (1973) | 2,003 |
| Earl Campbell (1980) | 1,934 |
| Ahman Green (2003) | 1,883 |
| Barry Sanders (1994) | 1,883 |
Eight players have rushed for over 2,000 yards: Dickerson (2,105), Adrian Peterson (2,097), Jamal Lewis (2,066), Barry Sanders (2,053), Derrick Henry (2,027), Terrell Davis (2,008), Chris Johnson (2,006), and O.J. Simpson (2,003).
The most impressive feat might belong to Simpson, who rushed for 2,000 yards in 14 games.
“O.J. Simpson was my favorite player. He went over 2,000 yards in 14 games. It took me 15 games to get to 2,000. I had one extra game to play,” Dickerson said. “Getting to 2,000 is an accomplishment in itself. I got close to that three other times.”
Barkley will have two chances to at least rush for over 2,000 yards. The Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 and the New York Giants in Week 18.
The Eagles will be without Jalen Hurts against the Cowboys, so expect Philadelphia to rely heavily on Barkley this Sunday.
