The NFL‘s best player title has always been an unofficial award, outside of the players’ poll done at the beginning of every season. While media circles weigh the quarterback position disproportionately, players are far more lenient to other positions on the field.
Last season, Tyreek Hill coming off back-to-back 1,700+ receiving yards was voted in first. However, according to Micah Parsons, new voting is necessary thanks to Saquon Barkley’s unbelievable season for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Saquon Barkley Crowned by Micah Parsons
To put in perspective the historic nature of Barkley’s season, we must take a deep dive into the background of his career and the history of the sport itself. As he inches closer to the single-season rushing record (regular season plus postseason) by Terrell Davis, his start to the NFC Championship Game had Parsons declaring his supremacy.
To begin the Eagles’ first drive, Barkley ran out for a 60-yard touchdown, immediately putting them in firm control. As the entire NFL world celebrated, Parsons was quick with his message. “Dawg saquon [is] best player in the NFL!”
Dawg saquon is is best player in the NFL!
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) January 26, 2025
The season he’s having is an unbelievable feat on its own. If not for head coach Nick Sirianni resting his starters in the final week of the season, the superstar RB could have broken Eric Dickerson’s regular season rushing record set almost 40 years ago.
However, he’s still on pace for Davis’ mark, with 147 yards separating him from the historical achievement. However, knowing the background behind his season makes his performance all the more spectacular.
After electrifying in his first few seasons with the New York Giants, injuries plagued Barkley, and the Giants declined to offer him an extension, opting instead to spend their cap space elsewhere, including on quarterback Daniel Jones.
Then, before the season began, no contract came his way; the Eagles decided to swoop in for the maligned running back. Behind one of the best offensive lines in the league, Barkley flourished, dominating throughout the season.
With an average of nearly 125 rushing yards per game, he was at 2,005 yards at the end of Week 17. While Dickerson was in sight, his and the team’s goal was a far greater success.