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Eagles' Saquon Barkley reveals way too early retirement plan with Barry Sanders in mind

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kelsey Kramer | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 5:37 PM ET

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley still has plenty left in the tank at 28, so there’s no reason to think retirement is right around the corner. But that doesn’t mean the thought hasn’t crossed his mind.

When former Eagles defensive end Chris Long asked Barkley whether he plans to walk away at the top of his game or keep going until he can’t anymore, the star running back gave an answer that likely made some fans feel uneasy.

"That's a great question," Barkley said on The Green Light podcast. "I'll probably [be] one of those guys that it would be out of nowhere. I'll probably just wake up one day, whether it's next year or two years or four years and just be like, yeah, it's over. I don't think I will ever lose that passion.

"The competitive nature is always going to be there. I like, probably my favorite player of all time is Barry Sanders, so probably similar to that. Maybe one day, like it'll be out of nowhere, I'll probably be ballin', and just be like, yeah, call it quits."

Saquon Barkley was asked about retirement. His answer might surprise you:

"I’ll probably be one of those guys that it would be out of nowhere.

"I’ll probably just wake up one day, whether it’s next year or two years or four years and just be like, 'yeah, it’s over.'"

(via… pic.twitter.com/BW8R1B1lrJ
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 4, 2025

Barry Sanders' retirement is still one of the most unexpected moments in NFL history. At just 31 years old, and still playing at an elite level, the Detroit Lions legend shocked everyone by walking away from the game in 1999.

There was no big announcement, no decline in performance, and no major injury. Sanders had just rushed for nearly 1,500 yards the year before. Then, out of nowhere, he faxed his retirement letter to a newspaper, and that was it. His teammates and coaches were even caught off guard.

He later said he was frustrated with the direction of the Lions and just felt like it was time to move on. It wasn’t about the spotlight or chasing records; he was less than 1,500 yards away from breaking Walter Payton’s all-time rushing mark, but he simply didn’t feel the juice anymore. Sanders’ quiet exit has become legendary, walking away at the top, on his own terms, and without looking back.

Barkley is under contract with the Eagles through at least 2028, and hopefully his NFL journey continues well beyond that, as long as he’s healthy and still enjoying the game.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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