10 Takeaways After Eagles’ Saquon Barkley Does Backward Hurdle
By: Michael Neal
November 9, 2024
TheBigLead.com is learning that Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley recently amazed fans with a crazy reverse hurdle in their 28-23 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The move ultimately prompted the NFL to conduct a drug test on him.In the second quarter, Barkley caught a pass and performed an impressive backward hurdle over a defender, which he later attributed to instinct. Barkley said, “What really happened was, I was going to hit a double spin. I aborted it, so when I spun I went to spin again, and I just felt like, it’s probably going to take away from how cool the play is. I thought he was going low, so I thought it would be cool if I just jump up, but my body kind of took over.” Barkley finished the game with 199 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. “I got drug tested right after the game,” Barkley said. Barkley has been an outstanding talent from the beginning of his NFL career, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018. He was also selected for the Pro Bowl in 2018, and had rushed for over 1,000 yards. Despite the spectacular move, both Barkley and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce warned against attempting such risky plays due to safety concerns. Travis said, “Do not do that. It is the fastest way to break your neck. Football is not meant to be played in the air, I promise you that.” Travis added, “Unless you’re an incredible athlete, if your athleticism is far more superior than everybody else’s on the field, do whatever the [expletive] you want, but outside of that, do not. That is a safety hazard. You do not want to go into a game leaving the ground. I’ve landed on my head too many times, and we advise kids not to try and make this play at home.” Barkley agreed, saying, “I ain’t trying to do that again, to be honest with you. It’s not a safe play.” Barkley is having a standout season with the Eagles, having rushed for 925 yards and six touchdowns so far.
