By Jake Beckman | June 4, 2025
Philadelphia, PA – In a revelation that’s left Eagles Nation stunned, star running back Saquon Barkley has dropped a bombshell hint about how – and when – he might walk away from the NFL. During a candid appearance on Green Light with Chris Long, Barkley shared that when the time comes, he may not give fans or the franchise much warning.
“I’ll probably just wake up one day and be like, ‘It’s over,’” Barkley said casually, flashing a smile. “Whether it’s next year, two years, or four years from now—I don’t think it’ll be some big planned thing.”
The comments immediately sparked panic and speculation across social media and sports radio, with fans wondering if their newly crowned Super Bowl hero could really vanish from the game without a farewell tour.
“Barry Sanders Style” Departure?
Barkley compared his mindset to that of Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, who famously retired in 1999 just before training camp—despite still being in his prime. “One of my favorite players of all time is Barry Sanders,” Barkley said. “So probably similar to that.”
For a city still basking in the glow of a Super Bowl run fueled in large part by Barkley’s dominant performances, the idea of him calling it quits without warning is nothing short of gut-wrenching.
No Farewell Plans—Just Passion
Unlike Eagles legends like Jason Kelce and Brandon Graham, who offered fans time to prepare for their exits, Barkley hinted that he won’t go out with a scripted goodbye. Kelce openly debated retirement in back-to-back seasons before hanging it up in 2024. Graham announced in advance that 2024 would be his last ride. Both were celebrated as they exited the game.
Barkley, on the other hand, isn’t interested in dragging it out.
“I don’t think I’ll ever lose the passion,” he said. “The competitive nature will always be there. But sometimes you just know.”
A Difference From Barry: Barkley’s Already Won It All
While Sanders retired without ever playing in a Super Bowl, Barkley already owns a ring—and played a central role in securing it. He was the heart of the offense during Philadelphia’s 2024 title run, bringing elite playmaking and leadership that ignited the city.
This wasn’t a case of a veteran quietly riding coattails. Barkley was the engine. And now, fans must face the possibility that his engine could suddenly stop.
Giants Fumbled, Eagles Capitalized
After a turbulent stint with the New York Giants, Barkley took his talents to a team that embraced him. “To me, it still doesn’t feel real that he’s an Eagle,” one fan tweeted following the podcast’s release. “Feels too good to be true. And maybe that’s the problem.”
If Barkley really were to walk away unexpectedly, the emotional whiplash would hit hard in Philly—both because of his talent and the bond he’s built with the fan base in such a short time.
