Penn State legend Saquon Barkley doesn’t shy away from big moments and has delivered memorable runs in his college and pro football careers.
Sealing the Philadelphia Eagles’ spot in Super Bowl LIX, hurdling a defender backward, and countless “angry runs” could likely crack Barkley’s personal top 5, but none are his top choice.
When asked at Super Bowl media day what he thinks is the greatest play of his career, the former Penn State great running back recalled his historic performance at “The Granddaddy of Them All.”
Penn State faced USC in the Rose Bowl during Barkley’s sophomore season. The game became instant classic but resulted in a 52-49 USC win. Barkley rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns, including the longest play of the game consistently looped on highlight reels.
“I had a pretty cool run in the Rose Bowl,” Barkley said. It was like a 70-yard (79-yard) touchdown run. I made a couple of people miss. I had great blocking from my teammates. That’s probably my best one.”
Penn State Saquon – Rose Bowlpic.twitter.com/tHm9AmGo3A
— Paul C (@HurtsyIvania) January 25, 2025
Barkley shifted past multiple defenders on his way to the end zone without a defender in sight past midfield.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.This past season, he won the NFL rushing title with 2,005 yards over 16 games, 84 yards more than second-place RB Derrick Henry (1,921) who played all 17. Barkley won Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2016, earned an All-American selection in 2017, and placed 4th in Heisman voting before declaring for the NFL Draft. Barkley added to his trophy case— which is becoming a trophy room— as the first Penn State player to win AP Offensive Player of the Year Thursday at the NFL Honors.
Landslide: Penn State Legend Saquon Barkley Runs Away With AP Offensive Player of the Year
He credited Kobe Bryant’s work ethic and mentality as a person he tries to model his approach after and admires Lions great Barry Sanders.
“Barry Sanders is the best running back and best player to touch a football of all time,” Barkley said.
Barkley will turn 28 on Super Bowl Sunday. He finished 100 yards away from matching Eric Dickerson’s all-time record of 2,105 during the 1984 season. Dickerson, though, broke the record in 14 games, but in more carries (379) than Barkley (345).
The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs will battle it out in Super Bowl LIX from New Orleans inside the Superdome at 6:30 p.m. on FOX.
