Barkley worked in the offseason with trainers including Moe Wagner, a former Villanova running who reminded the Eagles star to let 'dark times' be a motivator.
Inside Barkley’s workouts and the ‘dark times’ mentality that fueled his All-Pro season for the EaglesJust before the halftime whistle of the Eagles’ penultimate regular-season game, the running back received a text message from his longtime trainer Moe Gibson that he wouldn’t see until hours later.Gibson was watching Barkley attempt to make history from a powerless position, a few hours away and staring at the television screen.
The Eagles are set to face the Green Bay Packers in Sunday’s wild-card round in large part because of Barkley’s historic season. It was one preceded by a rigorous offseason regimen tailored over the course of a seven-year career, one that featured Barkley pinging between a few longtime trainers that included Gibson and former Lehigh University receiver Troy Pelletier.
Given the fruitless, multi-year contract negotiations with the New York Giants and the apparent skepticism across the NFL about the viability of running backs with the workload Barkley has taken on during his career, it was understandable. A few months after signing a, Barkley didn’t mince words about those who loudly wondered how he’d hold up during the duration of that deal.
While Barkley didn’t have a specific number on what his annual expenditure is, he conceded his teammates are probably on the lower side.“I don’t know the exact number, I’d have to call my financial adviser,” Barkley added. “But I’ve put a lot of money into it, whether it’s the offseason, whether it’s your training with trainers or physical therapists. That’s why I’m able to be the player I am right now.
He’ll use the phrase on Barkley’s social media posts or text it to him at random points during the season as well. During one session, the slightest undulation in the turf led to Barkley’s obsessing over the footwork of one of Gibson’s drills to the point where the trainer had to implore Barkley to move on. He needed to reach the cone in three steps, but it was taking him four.
Pelletier, another trainer Barkley would work out with often during the offseason, noticed it as well. He’d use his connections to a local high school football program to get the school’s field floodlights turned on for the two to start before dawn.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Saquon Barkley Is Chasing History, But He Doesn't Think He Is Best Player On EaglesPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has learned a lot about his new teammate and believes he is a Hall of Fame player.
Read more »
The Higher Eagles Saquon Barkley Climbs, The More Rare The Air BecomesPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is doing things this season not often done in the NFL, and he is well aware of a record set 40 years ago that is in his sights.
Read more »
Eagles Should Reunite Saquon Barkley With 3-Time Pro BowlerWill the Philadelphia Eagles make a move?
Read more »
What Eagles' Saquon Barkley Needs Vs. Steelers To Keep NFL Record Chase AliveWill the Philadelphia Eagles superstar end up making history this season?
Read more »
Eagles’ Saquon Barkley has not played since beginning of 2nd quarterWill Saquon Barkley return?
Read more »
Eagles' Saquon Barkley misses most of 2nd quarter after hit by Steelers' Minkah FitzpatrickEagles running back Saquon Barkey had a pair of early carries in the second half and resumed his chase of the NFL season rushing record after he took a low hit from Pittsburgh’s Minkah Fitzpatrick and missed most of the second quarter. Barkley was drilled in the right knee by Fitzpatrick and then landed on his right shoulder.
Read more »