Saquon Barkley expressed his disappointment and frustration with the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to rest him in the final game of the season, which would have allowed him to attempt to break the NFL single-season rushing record. Barkley, who is currently 100 yards shy of the record, said he was initially unenthusiastic about the opportunity, but became more invested in it after sleeping on it.
“I asked my coach if I wanted to play, I said on Sunday, I probably didn’t care too much for it. When I slept on it, it was like, it’s an opportunity to implant my name in football history. [I] may never get another opportunity like that again. So I’m down,” Barkley said.
Barkley also shared his disappointment with his family, who were eager for him to attempt the record. His father took the news the hardest, according to reports. Despite the setback, Barkley is focusing on being available to help his team win in the playoffs and is no longer dwelling on the opportunity to break the record.
“At the end of the day, the most important thing is winning football games and winning in the playoffs, and I have a bigger goal in mind,” Barkley said.