Aug 23, 2020; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) participates in drills during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center.  Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Saquon Barkley calls ACL tear 'the weakest moment of my life'

Saquon Barkley missed almost all of last season after tearing his ACL in the Giants Week 2 matchup against the Chicago Bears. During an appearance on the "Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson" podcast, the former Offensive Rookie of the Year admitted that he struggled to accept the injury and that he was devastated when he learned he would be missing the rest of the year.

"When I hurt my knee, I'm not going to lie, that's probably the weakest moment of my life, especially in those first few days," Barkley said. "I just couldn't control myself crying, asking 'Why me? Why me? Why me?"

Barkley's NFL career got off to a remarkable start, as the No. 2 pick rushed for over 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging over five yards per carry. In his second year, he was forced to miss three games due to a high ankle sprain but still managed to rush for over 1,000 yards. However, last season, he only had 25 touches when his season ended. It was difficult for Barkley to deal with, but he credited running backs coach Burton Burns for keeping him motivated.

"On that third day, it just hit, and it was just like 'So what, now what,'" Barkley said. "This is a saying that Coach Burns is always telling me. It happened, so, like you said, adversity makes the weak weaker and makes the strong stronger. You have to pick and choose what side you want to be on."

Now, Barkley heads into his fourth season hoping to be healthy and return to form as one of the most dominant running backs in the entire league.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Insider speculates Titans 'planning to move on' from former first-round WR
Panthers add former first-round pick to crowded RB room
Jets coach Rick Bowness announces retirement after long career
Mavericks sign Jason Kidd to multi-year extension
Reporter provides clarity on controversial NASCAR finish at Kansas
Stunning stat highlights NBA's youth movement
Report: Rival teams expect Sixers to attempt reunion with star
Donovan Mitchell channeled 'The Answer' in first-round win vs. Magic
Defending champion Golden Knights ousted by Stars in first round
Rangers hold off late Hurricanes rally to take early series lead
Watch: Kyle Larson wins closest finish in NASCAR Cup Series history
Watch: Shohei Ohtani homers twice as Dodgers sweep Braves
Russell Westbrook reacts to reports of him leaving Clippers
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah joins elite company in victory vs. Tottenham
Anthony Edwards joins exclusive club of all-time greats
Aces sign All-Star G Jackie Young to contact extension through 2025
J.J. Watt reveals his thoughts on a potential NFL comeback
Taylor Pendrith outlasts Ben Kohles at Byron Nelson for maiden win
Andrey Rublev conquers Felix Auger-Aliassime, fever for Madrid title
Lando Norris wins Miami Grand Prix for his first career F1 victory