Sep 9, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates his touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The touchdown was the first of his NFL career. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Imagine training and lifting weights so much that you not only become one of the strongest and most athletic players in the country, but you become one of the most coveted college football players in years. Imagine being able to dash past tacklers for a 92-yard touchdown or leap over defenders like it’s nothing. Imagine running in rarefied circles with rappers, superstar ballers, and other celebrities you never thought you’d get to meet just a few years prior.
Hard work and dedication molded Saquon Barkley into one of the best college football players last season (he holds the record for most all-purpose yards in a season), and now the Penn State alum is turning heads at the highest level. In just the second week of his professional career, the New York Giants running back has already etched his place in the team’s record books for the most receptions (14) in a single game.
Known for his insane cuts and lighting speed, Barkley is widely considered a future superstar in the NFL. But he is still a newcomer in the league so you might not know too much about him. Here is everything you need to know about the ultra-talented Saquon Barkley.
How tall is Saquon Barkley?
Barkley, who was born February 7, 1997, making him 21 years old for his NFL debut, is listed at 6' and weighs in at approximately 230 pounds. Most NFL running backs are slightly shorter and lighter than Barkley's height and weight. But most NFL running backs aren't selected with the second overall pick in the draft.
Where is Saquon Barkley from?
Growing up in the Bronx initiated his love for New York sports. Saquon’s favorite sports team growing up was the New York Jets with Mark Sanchez, Curtis Martin, and Thomas Jones. As a kid, he dreamed about playing at MetLife Stadium.
Does Saquon Barkley have a big family?
April was a month to remember for Barkley. Shortly after he declared for the draft, his college sweetheart announced that they were expecting their first child together. Her due date was right around the NFL Draft, which threatened Saquon’s ability to be both places at once. But, it worked out for the best—his daughter, Jada, was born April 24 and Saquon was selected second in on April 26.
Saquon isn’t the only professional athlete in the Barkley family tree. His uncle, Iran Barkley, was a three-time WBC middleweight champion. He is most known for upsetting Tommy Hearns. Along with his uncle, Saquon’s father, Alibay Barkley, was a Golden Glove boxer.
Where was Saquon Barkley selected in the 2018 NFL Draft?
Taken with the No. 2 pick in this past April's draft, the last time a running back was drafted that high was when the Saints selected Reggie Bush. Prior to Bush, the highest drafted running back was Ki-Jana Carter, who was drafted first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1995.
How much was Saquon Barkley's rookie contract worth?
Barkley is signed with Roc Nation and his agent, Kim Miale, got him PAID. His rookie contract with the Giants fully guarantees $31.2 million over four years. Barkley received a signing bonus of $20.8 million, with an immediate payout of $15 million. By comparison, the first overall draft pick, Baker Mayfield, signed a contract with the Browns guaranteeing $32.68 million and received a signing bonus of $21.85 million.
What big ticket item did Saquon Barkley buy after he was drafted?
Barkley has always exhibited the utmost respect and appreciation for his parents. Before he was drafted, he said he was going to buy them a house once he signed his first professional contract. On June 24, after signing his contract with the Giants, Saquon was able to keep to his word and purchase a house for his parents in Lehigh Valley.
If he wasn't playing football, what would Saquon Barkley do?
Being the athletic beast he is, in addition to football, Saquon played basketball and ran track in high school. But Barkley told USA Today in an interview, “If I didn’t fall in love with football, I would’ve ended up being a boxer.”
What is Saquon Barkley's nickname?
The rookie has created lasting relationships with several players on the Giants offense, including Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, and Eli Manning. In college, Barkley was able to squat 525 pounds. It’s very evident by the size and strength of his legs. So much so, that OBJ called him "SaQuads" on Twitter and now most of the Giants players know him as such.
What shoe company sponsors Saquon Barkley?
When asked about how it feels being among greats as a signee with Nike, on Complex’s "Sneaker Shopping," Barkley said, “That’s something you dream about as a little kid, playing in the NFL, signing with Nike. And hopefully, one day getting your own shoe.”
What pre-game music does Saquon Barkley listen to?
The star running back loves hip-hop. Before games, he listens to Cardi B, Meek Mill, A Boogie, J. Cole, as well as his teammate Odell Beckham Jr.’s buddy, Drake.
How fast was Saquon Barkley's 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine?
Barkley isn't built like most running backs, weighing in at 234 pounds. To illustrate how freakish he is, the average number of completed bench press reps at the NFL Combine is 17. Barkley came into the ultimate prospect evaluation event aiming for 30 reps. He knocked out 29. He also has speed to burn. The average 40-yard dash for a running backs at the combine is 4.5-4.6. Barkley was aiming for a 4.37, like he ran at Penn State, and clocked in with an impressive 4.40. In the vertical leap, Barkley showed off his explosiveness recording a 41 inch jump, an inch below his goals. Although he didn’t surpass the lofty numbers he set for himself heading into it, his NFL Combine performance was nonetheless impressive.
What moto does Saquon Barkley live by?
Nike gifted Barkley a pair of special Nike VaporMax sneakers to wear to the NFL Draft. They were made in a burgundy colorway and have several personalized touches. Saquon’s initials are located on the tongues. The S on the right, and B on the left. On the outsole of the shoes lies the motto he lives by: “Be a dawg.” Lastly, on the heels of each shoe is a date and time. The first is of the draft and the second is his daughter’s birth, located on the left and right respectively.
How long was Saquon Barkley's first NFL touchdown?
In the fourth quarter of the Giants season opener against the Jaguars, Barkley ran 68 yards for his first career touchdown. Although the game ended with a 20-15 Giants loss, Barkley finished with 106 yards on the ground.
What awards did Saquon Barkley win at Penn State?
The Silver Football is an award given to a stand-out player(s) in the Big Ten Conference by the Chicago Tribune. Barkley is only one of five players to be a two-time winner and is the fifth player from Penn State to receive the award.
As a small token of appreciation for everything Barkley did while at Penn State, Rep. Jeanne McNeill introduced the idea of a Saquon Barkley Day.
The resolution for the day states: “WHEREAS, Penn State fans will not soon forget Barkley's contributions to the team and the university; therefore be it RESOLVED, that, in recognition of Saquon Barkley's accomplishments both on and off the field, the House of Representatives designate March 14, 2018, as ‘Saquon Barkley Day’ in Pennsylvania.”
To commemorate the first Saquon Barkley Day, his hometown of Coplay, Pennsylvania held a parade on March 24, in his honor in order to celebrate him and his success.