Giants’ RB Saquon Barkley: “I’m Starting To Get That Swagger Back”

Giants' RB Saquon Barkley in 2018
Giants' RB Saquon Barkley in 2018. Photo by Shane Roper/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (9884731bw)

Speaking with reporters during the New York Giants’ mandatory minicamp on Wednesday, running back Saquon Barkley admitted that his confidence took a big hit in recent years. The series of injuries caused the Penn State product to start questioning his body which resulted in struggles on the field. However, that now seems to be in the past.

According to Barkley, he now feels healthy and fully trusts his body. The 25-year-old player tore his ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season and then dealt with ankle issues last season.

“I feel a lot better than I felt at this point last year. My body feels good. I’m trusting my knee again,” said Barkley.

As a result, Barkley is a lot more confident than in 2021, when he managed just 593 and two touchdowns on 3.7 yards per carry.

“Now I’m starting to get that swagger back,” he added.

The Giants now hope that this newfound confidence will prompt Saquon Barkley to put up performances he had early in his pro career. Barkley had 2,029 yards and 15 touchdowns from scrimmage in his rookie year and became the first back in franchise history to have 1,000+ rushing yards in his first two seasons as a pro.

Barkley’s recent struggles have previously made him a subject of trade rumors, but this doesn’t seem to be an option anymore. The new head coach Brian Daboll reportedly has big plans for the Pro Bowler and believes he can be an integral part of his offense in 2022 and beyond.

Harley loves music and tries to go to a music festival every summer. When he's not listening to music, he writes about movies, food and wine, art, and sport.