Saquon Barkley’s journey to becoming the current best running back in the NFL was not an easy one. When he tore his ACL in 2020, no one knew what lay ahead of him. A comeback from such an injury takes time, yet the player would never be the same. Despite that setback, Barkley maintained an unwavering belief in his abilities.
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In New York, Barkley didn’t always get the recognition he deserved. However, after joining Philadelphia ahead of last season, everything changed. Barkley rushed for 2,000 yards in a single season, becoming only the ninth player to achieve such a feat. He was even awarded the Offensive Player of the Year Award for being the strongest link in a team that made it to Super Bowl LIX.
Barkley has long emphasized the power of visualization and the mindset of legends like Mike Tyson, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan in shaping his approach to the game—something he spoke about three years ago while recovering from his injury.
“I study the greats. I look at your videos [Mike Tyson], I look at Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan’s videos and learn the mindset and mental part of the game. Especially during this injury, hopefully, God willing, that’s gonna be another thing that helps and catapults me into the direction I want to go,” Barkley said on an episode of Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson.
Barkley also shed light on his belief in positive affirmations. Having picked it up from his father, Alibay Barkley, the ex-Giants RB revealed how talking to himself and believing he could be the best RB in NFL history helped him survive the lengthy 9-month-long hiatus.
“I’m a big visualizer. I’m a person who believes in having conversations with yourself, that’s something my dad kind of taught me… for me, the whole goal is to be the greatest running back to ever play. And I feel like if that’s not what you’re doing it for, you’re doing it for a wrong reason, and it starts there.”
Saquon let Tyson know that it is important to constantly talk with oneself when alone or at the gym to fuel their ambition.
“You have to build that confidence in yourself, and it’s those moments when you’re talking to yourself, when you’re alone or when you’re working out, and you’re pushing yourself during that last rep, it’s that conversation with yourself that helps…”
There was little surprise when Mike Tyson agreed with Barkley’s philosophy.
Mike Tyson, at the age of 20, became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history. But before securing the title, Tyson had to ensure that every cell in his body and every corner of his mind was ready to be a champion.
“I had to be the heavyweight champion subliminally, subconsciously, and emotionally. Every iota in my body had to be that before I even was the Champion,” recalled the Baddest Man on the Planet.
Coming back to Barkley, this period of reflection has undoubtedly played a crucial role in his success. A Super Bowl win this weekend over the Kansas City Chiefs would be the icing on the cake for his legacy.
