Eagles RB Saquon Barkley Changes Training Approach Entering Prime

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, entering his eighth NFL season in 2025 at age 28, is adjusting his training regimen to focus on smarter, not harder, workouts emphasizing mobility and conditioning to preserve his health after a record-breaking 2024 season. Barkley shattered the single-season rushing record with 2,504 yards including playoffs, helping lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl title, but is cautious about the toll of his heavy workload of 345 carries in the regular season and 91 more in the postseason. He has taken advice from coaches, mentors, and Hall of Fame backs like Marshall Faulk and Edgerrin James to adopt a more measured offseason approach. Despite joking about a potential sudden retirement similar to Barry Sanders, Barkley affirmed he doesn't plan to retire anytime soon and remains passionate about competing. Sanders himself, who retired unexpectedly at age 31, advised Barkley to stick around given his youth and potential to lead the Eagles to more success. Barkley's contract reflects the franchise's commitment, as he recently signed a two-year, $41.2 million extension following a prior three-year deal, signaling confidence in his continued prime performance.