New York Giants legend Tiki Barber on Barkley, Shurmur, NFC East
By Curt Macysyn
On New York Giants rookie Saquon Barkley
Tiki Barber called Saquon Barkley a “physical freak”, which is not unlike general manager Dave Gettleman’s comment about “being touched by the hand of God”. It’s obvious that Barkley possesses all the physical tools to become a star NFL player, but what else does he need to do to thrive at the next level?
"“I got a chance to meet him about two months ago, and I love how he asks questions. He was curious. He’s also confident because the first thing he said to me was: ‘I’m going to break all your records’.” “I think he truly wants to learn, and it’s frustrating now because he’s been hurt the last two weeks or so. He hasn’t been on the field and getting all the reps, and going through the necessary motions of what it takes to play in the NFL.” “It’s easy to be a great athlete. It’s God-given. It naturally comes, and if you work really hard like he’s obviously has, you’re going to be successful. But there’s nuance to being a star in the National Football League. It’s an accountability, and more importantly, it’s an availability. And I don’t think a lot of young players realize it, but being there is as it important as what you do when you’re there.”"
These comments represent very interesting points made by Barber, as an ex-star NFL player. Barkley has to be circumspect about the situation he’s placing himself in, and as such, he cannot place himself in harm’s way.
This may not be a popular thing to say, but weighing the risk versus reward of straining to catch a training camp practice pass has to become part of his everyday thought process.