Saquon Barkley Received Same Message From Everyone He Trusts

Saquon Barkley's preparation last offseason led to one of the most spectacular seasons we've seen from a running back in the modern era. But this year the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is reportedly taking a lighter approach.

Barkley helped carry the Eagles to the second Super Bowl in franchise history last season after six loyal years to the New York Giants — finishing 100 yards shy of Eric Dickerson's all-time rushing record which has stood for 40 years.

All told Saquon ended up putting nearly 500 touches on his body in 2024. And because of that, the three-time Pro Bowler and "Madden NFL 26" cover star says he's following the advice of his coaches and mentors to take it easier this summer.

"It wasn't hard because everyone I trust told me basically to sit my ass down for a little bit. ... You've just got to be smarter, right? You have your moments where you go in there and you grind, you push it," Barkley explained.

"But the majority of those days is just mobility, conditioning, doing all the things to get your body in shape to perform at a high level. It was a lot of workload, but my body feels great, so that's the most important thing."

Heading into Year 8, the former No. 2 pick says he feels like he's just "entering my prime." Usually backs with Saquon's type of workload start breaking down by the time they approach 30. But he finds himself in a great situation seven months out from his 29th birthday.

If anything fans are just hoping the "Madden Curse" doesn't claim another victim — something Garrison Hearst, Barry Sanders, Eddie George, Marshall Faulk, Shaun Alexander, Peyton Hillis, Adrian Peterson and Christian McCaffrey can all attest to at the RB position.