Saquon Barkley sets NFL record during Super Bowl victory

It was a memorable 28th birthday for Saquon Barkley. The former Penn State football star capped a historic 2024 season on Sunday evening by rushing into the record books and claiming a piece of NFL immortality.

As the first half of Super Bowl LIX came to a close, Barkley toppled another milestone, surpassing Terrell Davis for the most rushing yards in a single season in NFL history. The new NFL Offensive Player of the Year finished his first season in Philadelphia with 2,504 rushing yards, 353 receiving yards, and 20 total touchdowns.

Despite completing the most productive season of his seven-year NFL career, the Kansas City Chiefs effectively contained the Eagles star on Super Bowl Sunday. Barkley finished the night with 25 carries for 57 yards, along with six receptions for 40 yards.

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In the end, though, Philadelphia didn’t need its workhorse running back. The Eagles throttled the Chiefs with 34 unanswered points to start the game, ultimately cruising to the franchise’s second Super Bowl with a 40-22 victory.

© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“She looked prettier in person, I’ll tell you that,” Barkley said of the Lombardi Trophy after the win. “Something that you dream of. I’m just happy to hold it, be able to give it a kiss.”

Barkley is not the only former Penn State football standout to earn a ring on Sunday. Receiver Jahan Dotson and cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields (practice squad) become the latest Nittany Lions to win an NFL Championship. After the Eagles’ win, 49 Penn State football lettermen have claimed 69 Super Bowl victories.

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