In a historic moment during the Super Bowl, Saquon Barkley broke the NFL season rushing record, including postseason games. The previous record of 2,476 yards, set by Terrell Davis in 1998, was surpassed by Barkley's impressive performance. The AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year achieved this milestone with a 2-yard run just before halftime, totaling 31 yards in the first half of the game.
Despite Barkley's relatively modest yardage in the Super Bowl, the Philadelphia Eagles maintained a strong lead against the Kansas City Chiefs, thanks to stellar defensive plays and two touchdowns by Jalen Hurts. Barkley's record-breaking achievement added to the team's success in the championship game.
Throughout the season, Barkley showcased his exceptional talent, accumulating a total of 2,005 rushing yards in the regular season. This feat placed him among the elite group of running backs in NFL history to surpass the 2,000-yard mark. Additionally, Barkley's postseason performance further solidified his place in NFL history, with seven touchdown runs of 60-plus yards and impressive statistics comparable to legends like Terrell Davis.
The Eagles' investment in Barkley, with a significant guaranteed contract of $26 million, proved to be a game-changer for the franchise. Barkley's electrifying plays on the field captivated fans and drew comparisons to video game-like maneuvers, such as a remarkable backward hurdle that even influenced updates in popular football video games.
Transitioning from a limited playoff experience with the New York Giants, Barkley's debut season with the Eagles was nothing short of extraordinary. His record-breaking rushing yards and impact on the team's success highlighted his exceptional talent and contribution to the franchise's history.
As the Super Bowl unfolded, Barkley's name was etched in NFL history as the running back with the most rushing yards in a single season, solidifying his status as a standout player in the league.
For more NFL updates, visit AP NFL.
