Saquon Barkley won’t get his chance to make history and break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards. It’s quite unfortunate for him and the Philly Faithful. However, Barkley seems to be keeping his spirits high, giving a heartfelt tribute to his O-line, who at least helped him surpass the 2,000 rushing-yard mark. And, as harsh as it may sound, this milestone wouldn’t have been possible in his former home, the NY Giants.
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Barkley showed up at Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles’ home turf, wearing a vintage-style t-shirt featuring caricatures of his O-linemen. Above the graphic, which included a total of nine players, the words “2K SA” were printed, nodding to his rushing-yard milestone.
On the back, too, the t-shirt featured a message: “HOW ‘BOUT THEM BOYS UP FRONT,” with a small football graphic below it. Within the football design, the text “PHILA 2KSA” was written.
This T-shirt, if it’s not clear, serves as a ‘Thank You’ from Barkley to his O-linemen. They protected him so well that he balled out each week, gaining crucial yards and scoring game-sealing touchdowns for the team. It was the perfect response to how the Giants treated him in the off-season and ultimately decided to let him go. Now, the franchise is set back a few years.
.@saquon showing love to his OL for reaching 2K pic.twitter.com/eCDRpVKbjh
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025
Notably, this T-shirt is quite common, and if you’re a basketball fan, you’ve likely seen a Celtics fan wearing one. Several tees with different styles, featuring the ’90s Celtics roster in place of Saquon’s caricatures of his O-linemen, are widely available on the market.
Still, the one Barkley wore to the Eagles’ season finale game is very unique. And surely, fans will be lining up at online stores to snag one, especially since it features that heartfelt, appreciative message for the O-line. Several users on social media echoed a similar sentiment.
Couldn’t do it without them boys upfront ♂️
— AllthingsBIRDS (@BirdsnmoreBirds) January 5, 2025
You have to love a running back who appreciates his O-Line.
— Ed Mathews (@EdMathews5) January 5, 2025
Meanwhile, other fans in the comment section expressed a tinge of sadness that Barkley didn’t get to break Dickerson’s record, set in 1984. One Giants fan even argued that if the Eagles were clever, or truly wanted this, the running back would have broken the record before Week 18. Another Eagles fan hoped the team would win a Super Bowl and make up for this missed chance at history.
We appreciate you @saquon for putting the team first!
I hope we repay you with a Super Bowl
— 謙 RELL 信 (@KenshinRell) January 5, 2025
As a Giants fan, I think the boys should have made it easier for you to smash that record. Maybe next year, Champ.
— Brian Heavenly (@MrBHeavenly) January 5, 2025
For those unaware, Barkley needed just 101 yards to break Dickerson’s record. However, with the playoffs approaching and a team capable of making a Super Bowl run, head coach Nick Sirianni decided to play it safe and not risk Saquon’s injury by playing him in Week 18.
The Eagles are currently locked in for the second seed in the NFC playoffs. They will have home-field advantage in the Wildcard Round, having secured the NFC East title. With them facing a weak and struggling Giants team today, it is highly likely they will secure another win to close out the season.
