CONGRATULATIONS: Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley Surprises with Bert Bell Award for Professional Player of the Year

In a stunning turn of events, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has claimed the prestigious Bert Bell Award as the NFL’s Professional Player of the Year for the 2024 season. Announced in early 2025, this honor has left fans and analysts buzzing, especially since the award—presented by the Maxwell Football Club—often aligns with the AP NFL MVP race, which typically favors quarterbacks. Barkley’s win is a testament to his jaw-dropping performance in his first year with the Eagles, proving that a running back can still steal the spotlight in today’s pass-heavy league. Let’s break down how Barkley pulled off this surprise, what it means for the Eagles, and why this moment is a game-changer.

A Career-Defining Season in Philly

When Saquon Barkley signed a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024, expectations were high—but few could’ve predicted the historic season that followed. After six years with the New York Giants, where he battled injuries and inconsistent team success, Barkley arrived in Philly with something to prove. And prove it he did. The 27-year-old ran for a career-high 2,005 yards in the regular season, becoming just the ninth player in NFL history to eclipse the 2,000-yard mark. With 13 rushing touchdowns and an average of 5.8 yards per carry, Barkley didn’t just rewrite the Eagles’ record books—he redefined what a running back can do in 2024.

What makes this Bert Bell Award win so surprising? The NFL MVP conversation was dominated by quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow, with Barkley often seen as a long shot despite his stats. Yet, the Maxwell Football Club saw what many overlooked: Barkley’s unparalleled impact on the Eagles’ 14-3 season, their NFC East title, and their deep playoff run. This award isn’t just a nod to numbers—it’s a recognition of his leadership, resilience, and game-changing presence.

The Bert Bell Award: A Philly Tradition

Named after former Eagles owner and NFL Commissioner Bert Bell, this award has been a staple since 1959, honoring the league’s top performer each year. It’s a Philly-rooted prize, and Barkley joins an elite list of Eagles winners, including Jalen Hurts (2022), Carson Wentz (2017), and Randall Cunningham (1988, 1990). But Barkley’s victory stands out. He’s the first Eagles running back to claim the honor and the first Penn State alum to win it, adding layers of pride for both Philly fans and Nittany Lion faithful.

The surprise factor comes from the award’s timing and context. While Barkley earned AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year in February 2025, the Bert Bell Award—announced later—felt like a final stamp of approval, elevating him above the quarterback-heavy MVP narrative. It’s a rare moment where a running back’s brilliance outshone the league’s usual suspects, making this a win for the underdog position.

How Barkley Shocked the NFL

So, how did Barkley pull off this upset? It starts with his on-field dominance. In 16 games, he racked up 2,283 scrimmage yards (2,005 rushing, 278 receiving), leading the NFL and accounting for 34.8% of the Eagles’ total offense—the highest share of any player in the league. His highlight reel is absurd: seven touchdown runs of 60+ yards, a franchise-record 255-yard game against the Rams, and a playoff performance that included a 205-yard outburst in the snow against Los Angeles. Barkley wasn’t just good—he was unstoppable.

Off the field, his leadership sealed the deal. Teammates like A.J. Brown called him “the best football player in the world,” while coach Nick Sirianni praised his work ethic and team-first mentality. Barkley’s transition from rival Giants to Eagles could’ve been rocky, but he won over the locker room and the city with his humility and hustle. The Maxwell voters clearly saw a player who elevated everyone around him—a true MVP in spirit, if not in name.

Why This Win Matters for the Eagles

For the Philadelphia Eagles, Barkley’s Bert Bell Award is more than a trophy—it’s a statement. After a rollercoaster few years post-2017 Super Bowl, the 2024 season marked a return to dominance, with Barkley as the centerpiece. Paired with Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and an elite offensive line, he turned the Eagles into a juggernaut, culminating in a Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. His 2,504 total rushing yards (regular season plus playoffs) broke Terrell Davis’ single-season record, cementing his legacy in Philly lore.

This award also validates GM Howie Roseman’s offseason gamble. Signing Barkley was a risk—he was 27, an age when running backs often decline, and he’d missed 23 games due to injuries from 2019-2023 with the Giants. But Roseman saw a superstar ready to explode, and Barkley delivered. Now locked in through 2028 with a two-year extension signed in March 2025, Barkley is the cornerstone of a team built to contend for years.

A Surprise That Feels Right

Let’s be real: Barkley winning over quarterbacks like Allen (who took AP MVP) or Jackson (a two-time MVP) feels like a plot twist. Quarterbacks have won the Bert Bell Award over 60% of the time, with only a handful of running backs—like Jonathan Taylor in 2021—breaking through in recent decades. Barkley’s win is a throwback to the days when running backs ruled the NFL, a nod to legends like Barry Sanders and Marshall Faulk (whom Barkley has compared himself to). It’s a surprise, sure, but one that feels earned when you watch the tape.

Fans on X erupted with excitement. “Saquon over QBs? Philly’s RB1 just changed the game,” one user posted. Another wrote, “Bert Bell Award to Barkley is poetic—Philly’s own honoring a guy who carried us to the Super Bowl.” The consensus? Shock, followed by celebration.

What’s Next for Saquon and the Eagles?

With the Bert Bell Award in hand, Barkley’s focus shifts to 2025. Fresh off a Super Bowl win and a contract extension, he’s poised to keep rewriting records. Can he hit 2,000 yards again? Will he finally snag that elusive AP MVP? At 28, he’s in his prime, and the Eagles’ offense—bolstered by Hurts’ dual-threat ability and a top-tier O-line—gives him the perfect stage.

For the Eagles, this is a springboard. The 2024 season proved they’re back among the NFL’s elite, and Barkley’s presence ensures they’ll stay there. As free agency and the draft approach, expect Roseman to double down, building around their award-winning star.

A Legacy in the Making

Saquon Barkley’s Bert Bell Award win is a career-defining moment—and a surprise that’s shaken up the NFL narrative. From the Bronx to Penn State to Philly, his journey’s been long, but 2024 was his masterpiece. For Eagles fans, it’s a reason to cheer louder. For the league, it’s a reminder: don’t sleep on the running back.

What do you think—did Barkley deserve this over the QBs? Drop your take below, and let’s keep the convo going as the Eagles gear up for another big year!