Saquon Barkley has a clear opinion on the many skeptics who write off running backs after a certain age

Saquon Barkley can’t understand why there’s so much doubt about aging running backs. According to Barkley, the widespread opinion that the performance of players in this position group declines from around 30 years of age is “nonsense. “

In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, the 27-year-old said: “Marcus Allen played until he was 36, 37 years old. Some of the greats I admire and look up to and study played well into their 30s. Barry (Sanders) did leave the team at 29, 30, but he left in his prime.”

How long a running back would work, he said, depends on each individual: “It’s what you put into it. What you put in is what you get back. It’s the same at every position. There are these weird stories with running backs right now. Is that a tough position? Yes. Do you put up with wear and tear? Yes. But who are you or anyone else to tell me how long I can play the game? “

Barkley earns 37.75 million US dollars in Philadelphia

On the other hand, skepticism would also motivate him: “Anyone who tells you that they’re not more motivated by naysayers is lying.” Barkley played for the New York Giants from 2018 to 2023 and has now moved within the division to the Philadelphia Eagles. There he signed a three-year contract worth 37.75 million US dollars.

Barkey has had some injury problems in the past and hopes to have put them behind him. “When I’m on the field, I’m one of the best, if not the best. I just need to stay on the field,” he said. “I tore my cruciate ligament and had two or three ankle injuries that put me out of action.”

That’s why it’s important to stay fit, “Everything I wanted to achieve, I can still do. I just have to believe in myself and get to work. I will try to climb the mountain every day and make it to the top. “