Saquon Barkley Crowned No. 1 in NFL Top 100 After Historic First Season with Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia, PA – When Saquon Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, he made it clear: he came to win. One season later, Barkley has not only delivered on that promise—he has cemented his place in NFL history. After a record-shattering debut year in Philadelphia, Barkley has officially been voted the No. 1 player in the annual NFL Top 100 list heading into 2025.

For Eagles fans, this recognition is more than an individual honor—it’s validation that their newest star has changed the course of the franchise. For the league, it’s a reminder that Barkley is at the peak of his powers, commanding the respect of teammates, opponents, and analysts alike.

A Season for the Ages

Barkley’s first year in midnight green will be remembered as one of the greatest individual campaigns in NFL history. Combining explosive runs, highlight-reel catches, and a relentless will to win, Barkley redefined what a running back can mean to a team’s identity.

He finished the 2024 season with:

• Over 2,000 total yards from scrimmage

• 18 total touchdowns

• A league-best yards after contact per carry

• Multiple MVP-caliber performances in primetime games

Week after week, Barkley carried the Eagles’ offense, providing balance and explosiveness that left defenses scrambling. His late-season heroics propelled Philadelphia into contention, solidifying his reputation as a game-changer when it mattered most.

Voted No. 1 by His Peers

The NFL Top 100 list is unique because it is voted on by the players themselves. To be ranked No. 1 is to earn the respect of the very athletes who line up against you.

“Every time Saquon touches the ball, you hold your breath,” one anonymous defender told NFL Network. “He’s the hardest player to stop in the league right now.”

Barkley’s dominance was so undeniable that the vote wasn’t even close. He leapfrogged superstar quarterbacks and defensive icons to claim the top spot, becoming the first running back in nearly a decade to be ranked No. 1.

Philadelphia’s New Hero

For Philadelphia, Barkley’s rise is personal. The city has always embraced tough, gritty athletes who play with passion, and Barkley fits that mold perfectly. From his bruising runs to his emotional leadership in the locker room, he has already become a fan favorite.

“I came here to bring something special to this city,” Barkley said in a post-announcement press conference. “To be voted No. 1 by my peers—it means everything. But this is just the beginning. I want championships for Philadelphia.”

The Eagles’ fan base has responded in kind, showering Barkley with praise and filling social media with highlight clips, tributes, and hashtags like #BarkleyAtOne and #FlySaquonFly.

A New Era for the Running Back Position

Barkley’s recognition also carries weight for the running back position, which in recent years has been devalued in contracts and league discussions. His performance is a reminder of the game-changing impact an elite back can provide.

“Saquon proved that a great running back still matters in today’s NFL,” said ESPN analyst Marcus Spears. “He’s a weapon in every sense of the word, and Philadelphia has unlocked his full potential.”

With Barkley leading the charge, the Eagles’ offense has become one of the most balanced and feared units in the league, forcing opponents to account for both the run and the pass on every snap.

What Comes Next

Now firmly at the top of the NFL, Barkley enters the 2025 season with the weight of expectations on his shoulders. Philadelphia fans believe this is the year the Eagles can soar back to the Super Bowl, and Barkley is the centerpiece of that vision.

For his part, Barkley remains focused on the bigger picture. “Being No. 1 is an honor, but it’s not the goal,” he said. “The goal is a ring. That’s what I came here for.”

With his blend of speed, power, and determination, Barkley is not only rewriting Eagles history but also shaping the narrative of the modern NFL. His No. 1 ranking is more than a personal accolade—it’s the beginning of a new era in Philadelphia.