Saquon Barkley, the star running back for the Philadelphia Eagles and Super Bowl champion, has expressed that his potential NFL retirement could be sudden and unexpected. During a recent podcast interview with former NFL player Chris Long, Barkley suggested that he might retire from the game abruptly, drawing inspiration from the career of legendary running back Barry Sanders. Barkley, who has been a key player in the Eagles’ run to the Super Bowl LIX title, stated that when he eventually decides to step away, it might come ‘out of nowhere.’ His comments were made during a discussion about whether he would retire while at the peak of his career or continue playing beyond. Barkley emphasized that his passion for the sport would remain unchanged, regardless of the timing of his retirement. This statement follows his historic 2024 season, where he eclipsed the 2,000-yard rushing mark and was named the cover athlete for ‘Madden NFL 26.’
Barkley, who signed with the Eagles last offseason, has been in the prime of his career as he heads into the 2025 season. His recent contract extension with the team, which rewards his outstanding performance in the 2024 campaign, underscores his value to the franchise. Despite his success, Barkley’s remarks about the possibility of an unexpected exit have raised questions about the future of the running back position in the NFL. Sanders, who played a total of 10 years in the league, retired in 1998 with a legacy that continues to influence players like Barkley. The Eagles’ investment in Barkley’s future with a two-year contract extension highlights their confidence in his continued contributions to the team’s success. As the 2025 season approaches, the football world will be watching closely to see whether Barkley’s prediction about a sudden retirement becomes a reality.