Emmitt Smith Endorses Saquon Barkley for MVP: A Running Back’s Resurgence

A Legendary Voice in Favor of Barkley

Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith has made his stance clear—if he had a vote for the NFL MVP, it would go to Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. The Hall of Fame running back and three-time Super Bowl champion did not hesitate when asked whether Barkley should win the coveted award, despite stiff competition from Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and two-time MVP Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.

“Most definitely,” Smith affirmed. “We’re in a time where people say the running game doesn’t even exist anymore, that running backs are no longer valued. And yet, you have a kid who just rushed for over 2,000 yards. Not only that, but he had a huge performance in the NFC Championship.”

A Historic Season That Defies Trends

While the MVP is a regular-season award and does not factor in playoff performances, Barkley has made a compelling case for himself with one of the greatest rushing seasons in NFL history. He became only the ninth player ever to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a single season. Had he played in the final game of the regular season—one the Eagles didn’t need to win—he might have broken Eric Dickerson’s all-time record of 2,105 yards.

Despite his record-breaking year, Barkley is still considered only the third favorite to win the MVP, trailing behind quarterbacks Allen and Jackson.

The Value Barkley Brought to the Eagles

Smith believes that voters have overlooked just how transformative Barkley was for the Eagles. Before Barkley’s arrival, Philadelphia struggled to establish a dominant ground game. His presence not only revitalized the offense but also allowed the Eagles to control games in a way they hadn’t before.

“People have short-term memory,” Smith said. “The Eagles were struggling before Barkley signed. He single-handedly helped them get to where they are right now by rushing for over 2,000 yards. Kellen Moore did a great job putting him in a position to make plays, but let’s be real—their passing game wasn’t as effective this year. Barkley made the difference.”

A Costly Mistake by the Giants

Smith also pointed out how the New York Giants made a grave mistake by prioritizing quarterback Daniel Jones over Barkley. The Giants signed Jones to a massive contract in 2023, only to release him later, while Barkley found a new home in Philadelphia and thrived.

“Players make coaches look great, and coaches have to put players in a position to succeed,” Smith noted. “Having Saquon Barkley in the backfield has been a blessing for the Eagles. Losing Barkley and keeping Daniel Jones? That was a curse for the New York Giants.”

The Quarterback Bias in MVP Voting

For years, the MVP award has been heavily skewed toward quarterbacks. Since 2007, only one running back—Adrian Peterson—has won the award. Smith has an issue with this trend, arguing that the MVP should go to the true most valuable player rather than defaulting to the most marketable position.

“If voters are leaning so heavily toward quarterbacks, it just shows you how biased the NFL has become,” Smith stated. “It’s no longer about the best player who went out there and performed. It’s about who they want to market and promote. If it’s truly a quarterback league, then they’re going to keep giving it to quarterbacks.”

Barkley’s MVP Case Is Undeniable

Regardless of how the voting unfolds, Smith stands firm in his belief that Barkley was the most valuable player in the NFL this season. His historic rushing campaign, his impact on the Eagles’ success, and the way he proved the worth of running backs in a quarterback-dominated era make him a deserving candidate.

As the MVP race comes to a close, it remains to be seen whether voters will recognize Barkley’s greatness or continue to favor quarterbacks. Either way, Emmitt Smith’s endorsement speaks volumes about the legacy Barkley is building in the NFL.