Saquon Barkley played the first six seasons of his professional career as a member of the New York Giants, and he never even came close to sniffing the Super Bowl during that time. Now, he's headed to the Big Game in his first season as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles after signing with the team in free agency last offseason. Sorry, Giants fans.
However, despite the stellar season that both Barkley and the Eagles have experienced, the star running back is far from satisfied. He made that abundantly clear following Philadelphia's 55-23 dismantling of the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship game. While speaking with sideline reporter Erin Andrews after the game, Barkley emphasized the fact that simply making it to the Super Bowl was never the goal.
Saquon Barkley channels his inner Kobe Bryant, knows the job isn't finished for Philly
"The dream wasn't just getting [to the Super Bowl], the dream was winning it," Barkley said. "That's where the mindset's at."
Barkley channeled his inner-Kobe Bryant with this quote, as it very reminiscent of Kobe's famous, "Job's not finished" quote.
This attitude seems to represent the Eagles as a whole. Star quarterback Jalen Hurts barely seemed to crack a smile after Philadelphia dispatched Washington. After making it to the Super Bowl but ultimately falling short just two short years ago, the team is well aware of how much work is still to be done.
The Eagles have a much better defense than they did when they lost in the Super Bowl in 2023, though, and they also have Barkley, who was of course instrumental in helping the Birds get back to the Big Game, both during the regular season and throughout postseason play.
In the Wild Card round against the Green Bay Packers, Barkley ran for 119 yards and his production helped propel Philadelphia to victory. The following week against the Rams in the Divisional Round, Barkley had 205 yards and two touchdowns despite the snowy conditions.
Against the Commanders in the NFC Championship, Barkley compiled 118 yards and three touchdowns, including TDs on his first two touches of the game. He's been nothing short of speculator for Philly, and now he'll have an opportunity to do his thing on football's biggest stage. Considering his quote from after the championship game, it's safe to assume that he'll be ready for the moment.
