Saquon Barkley Refuses to Celebrate No. 1 Season, Seeks Consistency for 2025 With Guidance From RB NFL All-Time Great

After a historic 2,000-yard season in 2024, Saquon Barkley is entering the new year determined to prove it wasn’t a one-time explosion. The Philadelphia Eagles star running back has his eyes on consistency, hoping to carry the same energy into a potential championship defense.

Barkley admitted that while dominance is nothing new for him, finding balance over the course of an entire season is the true challenge. To prepare, he leaned on discipline, daily structure, and a willingness to refine every detail of his approach, on and off the field.

He spoke about using a planner to track his routine, writing down both small wins and long-term goals. Barkley believes that carrying consistency in his personal life will naturally flow onto the football field, making him sharper, stronger, and more reliable across 17 games.

Still, Barkley didn’t stop there. He wanted insight from someone who has already mastered the art of lasting greatness. This offseason, he picked up the phone to connect with one of the NFL’s most consistent running backs, hoping to learn what it takes to thrive year after year.

The call left Barkley in awe. For a player already cementing his legacy, speaking directly with a legend of the game provided perspective. It reminded him that football isn’t just about talent—it’s about taking care of your body, adjusting every season, and staying mentally locked in.

That legend is Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time rushing leader with 18,355 yards and 11 straight 1,000-yard campaigns. Smith emphasized body care, noting his ability to average over 15 games per season in an era when schedules only stretched 16 games long.

“It would be in my best interest to take his advice,” Barkley admitted. The lessons from Smith have already shaped his mindset heading into 2025, where his goal is not only to repeat his production but also to sustain it for years to come in midnight green.

For Eagles fans, the idea of Barkley chasing consistency with wisdom from a legend is thrilling. If he can stay healthy and apply those lessons, Philadelphia’s offense will once again be one of the league’s most dangerous—and Barkley’s story may echo for decades.