As Saquon Barkley gears up for his ninth NFL season, the star running back is taking a fresh approach to ensure his longevity on the field. After a solid 2024 season with 1,140 rushing yards, Barkley is shifting his training focus.
Instead of the traditional heavy lifting, he's incorporating trampolines and hula hoops to boost his coordination and joint health. In an interview on the NFL Network show “The Insiders,” Barkley expressed his excitement about this new regimen, aiming to enhance his athleticism and stay healthy for an Eagles team eager to improve after last season's wild-card exit.
Barkley reflected on his enduring drive, noting that while it remains as strong as ever, it's now channeled differently.
In 2025, several offensive players, including Barkley, didn't hit their usual performance levels, prompting a change in the coaching staff. Sean Mannion stepped in as the new offensive coordinator, replacing Kevin Patullo.
Barkley has already connected with Mannion and is enthusiastic about the "challenge of putting yourself in a new system." Although they haven't explored the playbook's details yet, Barkley described the scheme as unlike any he's encountered before.
“I’m super excited about it,” he shared, finding it “refreshing” to learn something new at this stage in his career.
The offseason also brought rumors linking A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots. Barkley, speaking with Dan Graziano of ESPN, revealed that Brown has always been a “huge Patriots fan” and was thrilled to catch passes from Tom Brady, likening it to being “a kid in a candy store.”
While Brown’s playful wink stirred speculation, Barkley confirmed his teammate’s lifelong admiration for the Patriots. Despite the outside buzz, Barkley remains focused on the Eagles' internal growth and new leadership as they prepare for the 2026 season.