Saquon Barkley attributes record-breaking year to Christian conversion

Saquon Barkley took his life in a new direction in 2024, returning to the state where he excelled as a high school and college standout by signing with the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason. The decision paid off immensely for the former Penn State football star, setting an NFL single-season rushing record en route to his first Super Bowl victory.

But an even bigger change had a more profound impact on Barkley’s life on and off the field in the last year: finding Jesus Christ. In a recent interview with the golf-based YouTuber Grant Horvat, the ex-Nittany Lion explained that he believes his recent conversion to Christianity was the main factor behind his historic 2024 season.

“I just became a Christian not too long ago,” Barkley said. “I feel like that, for me, I don’t think it’s a coincidence: the best year I had in my career, I found my faith. So it’s like, it gives me some clarity in life.

POWERFUL: #Eagles star RB Saquon Barkley says that he recently became a Christian and it’s changed his life.

“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the best year I had in my career, I found my faith. It gives me clarity in life.”

🙏🙏🙏

(🎥 Grant Horvat)pic.twitter.com/FOFXH84CsL

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 26, 2025

Barkley reached new heights in his first year with the Eagles, setting career-best marks for carries (345), rushing yards (2,005), and touchdowns (13) during the regular season. Beyond his new single-season rushing record, the NFL Offensive Player of the Year ran for an additional 499 yards with five scores during Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run.

The offseason has continued to treat Barkley well, signing a historic $41.2 million contract extension and landing on the cover of Madden 26.

“And we all knew, right, that, given the opportunity and put in a favorable situation, he’d have a chance to maximize it,” James Franklin said of Barkley’s success last fall. “I think the other thing with him that the Eagles are learning, and I talked to them about is just, as good of a player, he is just as good, if not a better, teammate. And that’s unusual.

“So to have that type of guy in your locker room and that type of leader and that type of presence on your team, it’s a force multiplier in a lot of ways. So, I’m not surprised.”

What a year for SB26.⚡️💍#WeAre x @Saquon pic.twitter.com/RApLdWNphz

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) June 26, 2025

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Part of the Full Ride network, we are an alumni-owned and operated, credentialed media outlet dedicated to providing you with updated and reliable insights for all your favorite Nittany Lion sports. Whether it’s Penn State football, basketball, wrestling, or anything in between, you can find it all on Basic Blues Nation!

Please follow us on our social channels — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube — and subscribe to our newsletter on Substack for the latest breaking news and notifications. For feedback, questions, or concerns, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on social media.