Saquon Barkley of the Eagles discusses why he feels like a “rookie” once more

PHILADELPHIA: At Wednesday’s OTA session at the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles were lined up and waiting to work on the bubble screens and ball protection drills. After taking his position, Saquon Barkley—wearing a midnight green jersey with the number 26—caught the ball and raced down the sideline.

Given Barkley’s ability to utilize the open field, use his speed to get past defenders, and make explosive plays, the fact that he is doing it with the Eagles after spending the first six years of his career with the Giants still may take some time getting used to. However, Barkley has already gotten over the change and is focusing on being an integral part of the offense.

“It’s definitely faded,” Barkley said. “I don’t think it felt weird because of being with the Giants before being with the Eagles. I was at one place for six years and put on one jersey for six years, but it’s fun. It’s a fresh start, and I feel like a rookie again, getting to know everybody here, learning about the culture, and buying into the culture. I’m feeling like this is home.”

The two-time Pro Bowl running back is also working in tandem with quarterback Jalen Hurts, not only during workouts before OTAs began but also in the weight room, especially when doing squats. Although Barkley said they were not competing to see who would put up the most weight, he said it was essential to be leaders in doing it so other people could follow behind them.

“I love being here,” Barkley said. “You come in, and you buy into the culture. I haven’t been squatting like that for a long time, but it’s amazing when you have a quarterback doing that. KG (running back Kenneth Gainwell) was doing it with us. We are all there trying to set the standard and buy into the culture. When you have some of your better players working hard and pushing each other, everybody else has no reason but to follow.”