Saquon Barkley Named NFL Offensive Player Of The Year

PHILADELPHIA — This football season, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has stunned opponents, fans, commentators, rivals, and teammates with his prowess on the gridiron.

And, while many Birds fans were campaigning for him to be named the league MVP this season, he was named the Offensive Player of the Year at the 2024 NFL Honors Thursday night.

In the 2024 regular season, Barkley, a Lehigh Valley native and Penn State University graduate, clocked 2,005 rushing yards, putting him at No. 8 on the list of single season rushing yard leaders.

When adding his postseason rushing stats, the total climbs to 2,447 yards.

He scored 13 touchdowns in the regular season, and five in the post season, on a total of 411 carries. He also caught 40 passes through the regular and post season for 313 yards.

Barkley's 2024 season, including post season games, has featured blockbuster highlights, such as the backward hurdle over Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Jarrian Jones and his 60-yard scoring run on the first offensive play of the NFC Championship game against the Washington Commanders.

"It's an honor and a privilege to be selected player of the year," he said in a video message played at the ceremony Thursday.

Barkley thanked god, his family, the tenacious Eagles fan base, and of course his teammates and coaches.

"'You can't be great without the greatness of others' is one of my favorite quotes," he said. "And you definitely can't accomplish awards like this without the big boys up front.