Overview

• Barkley told Sports Illustrated’s Greg Bishop that this season begins his prime and that he is the league’s top back.
• He acknowledged Bijan Robinson as the most talented at the position and also praised Lions runner Jahmyr Gibbs.
• After a 2024 campaign with 2,005 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, he earned Offensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors as the Eagles won the Super Bowl.
• He likened his evolution to shifting from a young Mike Tyson’s power to a late-career Floyd Mayweather’s patience while aiming to emulate Tiger Woods’ competitive focus.
• He rejected narratives about running backs’ rapid decline and salary devaluation, pointing to past greats’ longevity and arguing the discourse has depressed contracts.