Philadelphia Celebrates Saquon Barkley’s Record-Breaking Season

As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the Super Bowl, all eyes are on Saquon Barkley, the star running back who is having a record-breaking season. Barkley, a proud native of the Lehigh Valley, has made his hometown incredibly proud as he heads into the biggest game of the year. With snow and ice covering Whitehall High School’s Zephyr Stadium, the community lights up with excitement for their hero.

“To this day, hard for me to get used to. I liked him in 21. I’m getting used to 26,” said Brian Gilbert, Barkley’s high school football coach. Barkley first wore the number 21 while playing at Whitehall High School but now proudly dons the number 26 as part of the Eagles.

Coach Gilbert describes Barkley as a true product of hard work and determination. “He wasn’t a starting running back as a sophomore; he wanted to be one, so he worked his tail off going into his junior year,” he recalled, highlighting the dedication that set Barkley on his path to success. After a stellar career at Penn State, Barkley was drafted second overall by the New York Giants in 2018. This season, now with the Eagles, he has showcased his skills like never before.

Watching Barkley play has brought back a wave of nostalgia for his coaches. “I see him, especially after that run against the Rams in the snow, having so much fun … I’m watching him play high school football, college football,” Gilbert commented.

Beyond his incredible talent on the field, Barkley is remembered as a role model in the Whitehall-Coplay School District. “Kids want to do things the right way, like Saquon did,” said coach and teacher Tim Cunningham. Others echoed this sentiment, talking about Barkley’s character and connection to the community. “He is who you see. He’s a wonderful human being,” added school Superintendent Chris Schiffert.

Barkley’s impact is still felt, with mementos from his high school days adorning the campus. Coach Doug Bonshak recalled him as a constant learner, always asking how he could improve. “He’s a guy I think everyone will root for,” Bonshak affirmed, speaking to Barkley’s exemplary nature.

As game day approaches, the excitement in Philadelphia is palpable. With strong roots in his hometown and a track record of hard work, Saquon Barkley is ready to showcase his talents on the biggest stage and lead the Eagles to victory.