WATCH: Saquon Barkley can’t believe how intense Eagles fans are during 2024 Open Practice

Saquon Barkley is the Philadelphia Eagles starting running back. Something that still feels surreal as I type it out. After signing a three-year, $37.5 million deal in free agency that shocked the football world, Barkley continues to somehow be an under-the-radar player as the season approaches.

Much has been made of Derrick Henry joining the Baltimore Ravens, the Chiefs reloading, and, obviously, Caleb Williams being drafted by the Chicago Bears. So, you’d think a move as major as the one the Eagles would make would garner more respect around the league. But that’s okay, as we prefer for the media to doubt us. That’s when we’re at our best.

Speaking of surreal, that is most likely how Saquon would describe his Eagles open practice experience, where he got to get a taste of what the best fans in the world are like.

Saquon Barkley’s Open Practice Experience

Saquon got a little lesson in Philly 101 😌@IBX | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/d1hDPFSkgQ

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 19, 2024

The second half of Barkley’s career might surpass the first. Despite being regarded as one of the league’s top running backs, he hasn’t fully realized his potential with the New York Giants. That’s not a knock on Saquon, but it is more of a testament to how pathetic that franchise is. Over six seasons, he’s earned two Pro Bowl selections (in 2018 and 2022) and has topped 1,000 rushing yards three times—achievements that would be outstanding for many players.

Following Sunday’s practice session, the Eagles’ new star runningback had the opportunity to speak about his mindset heading into this season.

“I just want to be great, man, that’s it,” Barkley told reporters after Sunday’s practice. “I just want to take it to the highest level that I can take it. That’s my goal. (Eagles rookie running back) Will Shipley asked me the other day, ‘What keeps you going?’ That’s literally the same answer I gave him. That’s where I want to be. That’s where I want to go.”

Barkley has the rare opportunity ahead of him where he could actually get better as he gets older. The running back position is where players tend to regress much faster, especially those who have suffered injuries in their careers.

Join The Chase

.