Saquon Barkley’s remarkable talent has earned him unparalleled recognition: peer-voted No. 1. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has been named the NFL’s No. 1 player by his peers, a historic achievement announced on Monday night, September 1, 2025, as part of the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025 list. This marks the first time an Eagles player has ever claimed the top spot in the prestigious player-voted rankings.
Barkley’s Historic Accolade
The accolade comes after Barkley’s phenomenal 2024 debut season with the Philadelphia Eagles, a campaign that saw him lead the team to a Super Bowl LIX victory. Barkley’s impact was immediate and profound, as he rushed for an NFL-record 2,504 yards, including playoffs. He also broke the Eagles’ single-season rushing record with 2,005 yards. According to NFL.com, he became only the ninth running back in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a season and was recognized as the AP Offensive Player of the Year.
Record-Breaking Season
Barkley’s 2024 season was one for the record books. Throughout the regular season, he averaged 5.8 yards per carry and scored 15 total touchdowns, 13 of which were rushing touchdowns. His ability to consistently break tackles and gain significant yardage made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
A Debut to Remember
Barkley’s stellar Eagles debut occurred on September 6, 2024, in a 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Sao Paulo, Brazil. As reported by FOX 29 Philadelphia, he scored three touchdowns – two rushing and one receiving – and rushed for 109 yards. This performance earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors and set the tone for his record-breaking season.
Memorable Performances
Beyond his debut, Barkley continued to deliver standout performances throughout the season. He set the Eagles’ single-game rushing record with 255 yards and two long touchdowns against the Los Angeles Rams. These explosive plays showcased his incredible speed and agility, further solidifying his status as a top player.
The “Why” Behind the Recognition
The reasons for Barkley’s No. 1 ranking are multifaceted, stemming from his exceptional athletic abilities and his impact on the Eagles’ success. His dominance, vision, elusiveness, and speed captivated his fellow players and earned him widespread respect throughout the league.
Peer Admiration
Players like Bijan Robinson, Micah Parsons, and Justin Jefferson have expressed their admiration for Barkley’s playmaking ability. San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy highlighted Barkley’s exciting style, stating, “If I was a little kid watching the NFL and I saw Saquon Barkley making plays and stuff like the way that he does, how fast he is, the jumps, the 360 hurdles, like, dude, it’s pretty fun to watch,” according to CBS News. This sentiment reflects the awe and excitement that Barkley inspires in both fans and fellow athletes.
Impact and Expectations
Barkley’s No. 1 ranking solidifies his standing as the league’s premier player heading into the 2025 season and sets high expectations for both him and the Eagles. The spotlight will be intensely focused on Barkley as the Eagles prepare to kick off their Super Bowl title defense against the Dallas Cowboys.
Heightened Expectations
With the No. 1 ranking comes increased pressure to perform at an elite level. The Eagles will be relying on Barkley to maintain his dominance and lead them to another Super Bowl appearance. The Philadelphia Inquirer notes that the team’s success in 2025 will largely depend on Barkley’s continued performance and ability to stay healthy.
Super Bowl Title Defense
As the Eagles prepare to defend their Super Bowl title, all eyes will be on Saquon Barkley. His performance in the upcoming season will be crucial to the team’s success. According to Sports Illustrated, the Eagles’ coaching staff is developing strategies to maximize Barkley’s impact while also managing his workload to ensure he remains fresh and healthy throughout the season.
Saquon Barkley: Premier Player
Saquon Barkley’s journey to the top of the NFL has been marked by exceptional talent, hard work, and a relentless drive to succeed. His record-breaking 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles culminated in a Super Bowl victory and the prestigious No. 1 ranking in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025. As he enters the 2025 season, Barkley faces immense pressure and heightened expectations. However, his proven ability to perform at an elite level suggests that he is well-equipped to meet these challenges and lead the Eagles to continued success. His impact extends beyond statistics; he inspires teammates and fans alike, solidifying his place as one of the NFL’s most captivating and dominant players.
