The Second Act for the Eagles Star Out of the Backfield
The lights will shine bright tomorrow at Lincoln Financial Field as the Eagles raise their banner and go head-to-head with their fiercest rivals—the Dallas Cowboys. For Saquon Barkley, the season opener will be more than another chapter for NFC East showdowns, but a chance to start a season that could cement him as an Eagles legend. Barkley was once the face of the New York Giants as they began their rebuild, and he grew familiar with boos from Philly fans. Now on the other side of the passionate sports city, his 2025 campaign will tell if he can reinforce his role as a star on the field and set the tone for a continued redemption.
Barkley was drafted second overall by the NY Giants in 2018. That season, he earned Offensive Rookie of the Year, as well as Pro Football Writers of America and Pro Bowl recognition. In his time with the Giants, he crushed their rookie records with 1,307 rushing yards, 91 receptions, and 15 total touchdowns. At this point in his career, Barkley was showing potential to be a generational talent, until he faced a knee injury during his 2020 season. He tore his ACL and sprained his MCL, ending his third pro season after only two games. He remained in New York for the next three years, but his talent never fully returned. Throughout his 2021 to 2023 campaigns, he produced rocky results. Despite his ability to show the fans flashes of greatness, the Giants sought him more as a story of "what could have been," and couldn't depend on him in their era of rebuilding.
Unable to maximize his talent with the Giants, Barkley took the chance to sign with Philly for their 2024 campaign, which ended quite successfully. He was raised in Coplay, Pennsylvania, and attended Penn State for college. Barkley's joining with the Eagles began to feel like a homecoming. His debut season in Philly reminded football fans everywhere of the player he always had the potential to be. Barkley did not just make a comeback; he made a statement. Last season, the running back broke league records with 2,504 rushing yards on the season and became the only NFL player in history to achieve seven rushing touchdowns for over 60 yards in a season. The Super Bowl champion was named Offensive Player of the Year after only one season with the Birds. His performance in the 2024 campaign earned him All-Pro and Pro Bowl recognition, ultimately landing him at the number one spot in the NFL's Top 100 Players of 2025. Fans who were once timid to accept a former divisional rival now have high hopes after witnessing last season, which could have been the start of Barkley's redemption arc.
Now entering his second act with the Philadelphia Eagles, Barkley is preparing to face the ultimate test. Can he stay healthy and consistent? Can he remain the threat that complements Jalen Hurts' talent and keeps opponents fearful of Philly's offense? Can he prove himself as not a waste of potential, but as a legend in Philly sports?
Thursday night opens the second year for Barkley in Philadelphia. While he has faced the Cowboys many times throughout his career and has always been a division rival, the season opener offers something a bit different than he is used to. Like any Week One game, it is a fresh start. This season for Barkley, however, it is his chance to show that his dominance has the potential to be sustainable—not just a fluke. Tomorrow night is not about his place with the Birds; it is about his place in history, and there's no better place to start his second act than against the Cowboys.
