You’ve just got to be rooting for NY Giants running back Saquon Barkley in 2022. Even if you love the Cowboys, Eagles and Commanders – have a heart, would ya? Barkley is entering Year 5 in the NFL and there’s no hiding from the fact that the past two seasons have been an emotional rollercoaster for him.
After tearing his ACL in 2020, Barkley was expected to have a monster year in 2021. Instead, the bounce-back campaign didn’t go as planned, as he struggled to get into a groove and also had to overcome ankle issues. Heading into the new season, Barkley isn’t letting the past bring him down. Rather, he’s using those bad memories as motivation.
Saquon Barkley reflects on his career ahead of Year 5:
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) July 28, 2022
"Everything happens for a reason. The adversity, the injuries that were put in my way...God's got a bigger plan and it's all going to work out." pic.twitter.com/caJTKNbsEM
NY Giants RB Saquon Barkley knows the best is yet to come
"“The last two years not going how I wanted – you know, I’ve kind of been reflecting on that,” Barkley said over at Giants training camp in East Rutherford. “Everything happens for a reason. The adversity, the injuries that were put in my way these last two years, God’s got a bigger plan and it’s all going to work out.”"
Barkley understands that there’s going to be extra pressure on him to deliver now that he’s entering his fifth season in East Rutherford as well. With Barkley in the final year of his contract too, it only adds to the intrigue on the former No. 2 overall pick. Barkley needs to put up some impressive numbers to land a big pay day that’s going to open up some eyes.
No one knows if that will come from the Giants or not, Regardless of that, a big season could land him millions from NY or someone else. Similar to Daniel Jones, Barkley is entering the 2022 season with a chip on his shoulder. He’s also focusing on the things he can control. Barkley’s upcoming free agency will be discussed time and time again, but he’s not going to worry about that.
Instead, Barkley is going to give it his all to try and help the Giants show major improvements from last season’s 4-13 mark. If Barkley can stay healthy and play to his full potential, NY really could go on to surprise plenty of people in 2022. Big Blue supporters want the best for the speedster moving forward. This fall feels like it could be a huge one for No. 26.