Eagles Star Saquon Barkley Teases Sudden NFL Retirement Like Barry Sanders

Philadelphia Eagles' star running back Saquon Barkley has dropped a surprising hint about his future in the NFL, suggesting that his retirement might come unexpectedly and 'out of nowhere.' Fresh off a stellar 2024 season where he surpassed 2,000 rushing yards and earned the cover spot for Madden NFL 26, Barkley seems to be at the peak of his game. Yet, the 28-year-old hinted at a sudden exit during a candid chat on Chris Long's Green Light Podcast.

Barkley, who joined the Eagles last offseason and clinched both Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in his debut year with the team, reflected on how he might step away from football. 'I'll probably just wake up one day... and just be like, "Yeah, it's over,"' he mused, indicating a spontaneous decision rather than a planned farewell. Drawing inspiration from his idol, Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, who famously retired abruptly in 1998 while still in top form, Barkley suggested his own departure might mirror that shocking moment.

With a lucrative two-year contract extension following his standout 2024 performance and a key role in the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX victory, Barkley has already racked up 7,216 career rushing yards over seven NFL seasons. Still, the shadow of Sanders—who walked away with 15,269 yards, just shy of the all-time record—looms large as a blueprint for Barkley's potential exit. For now, fans can only hope this dynamic player keeps hurdling defenders for years to come, even as he keeps us guessing about when he might hang up his cleats.