In their recent wild card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles demonstrated a strategic approach rather than chasing personal accolades. With the Eagles leading 22-10 and the game winding down, Barkley had an opportunity to secure a long touchdown run. After a 17-yard gain—his largest of the day—Barkley chose to slide down instead of sprinting towards the end zone.
This decision was rooted in a strong understanding of “situational football,” as Barkley himself noted in a post-game interview. With the Packers out of timeouts, maintaining possession and ending the game were more critical than adding to his personal stats. He highlighted the importance of team health heading into the next playoff round, saying, “Get down, put a smile on your face, and move on. That’s the thing that matters most.”
Barkley’s focus on winning over personal achievements has been consistent throughout the 2024 NFL season. Earlier in the season, he opted to sit out the Eagles’ final regular season game, despite being close to breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record, and chose to let younger teammates play in another game instead of chasing individual records.
His commitment to team success over personal fame reinforces a championship mentality. As Barkley articulated, “Whether we throw for 400 yards, we rush for 400 yards – if we win the game, 3-0. I just wanna win.”
Barkley’s attitude not only showcases his leadership qualities but also sets a positive example for his teammates as they move forward in the playoffs. This selflessness could be instrumental as they aim for a deeper postseason run.