Retired New York Giants running back Tiki Barber thinks his Big Blue records are in danger due to Saquon Barkley‘s potential.
Former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber really left a mark on the record books when he retired after the 2006 season. In his 10-year career for Big Blue, Barber set the franchise records for most career rushing yards with 10,449 and most career yards from scrimmage with 15,632, to name a couple.
After Barber retired, the Giants never seemed to have a dominant, every-down back that could put those franchise records in jeopardy. With the exception of Brandon Jacobs setting the franchise record for most career touchdowns, no back came very close to Barber’s numbers. Ahmad Bradshaw wasn’t going to produce those statistics and neither were guys like David Wilson or Paul Perkins.
However, now the Giants have Saquon Barkley. Barber spoke to NJ.com’s Matt Lombardo at New York Yankees pitcher C.C. Sabathia’s charity softball game and mentioned how he believes Barkley will shatter his records.
“If he stays healthy and he stays here, in New York,” Barber said. “My records don’t have a chance.”
In his rookie season for the Giants, Barkley totaled 1,307 rushing yards for 11 touchdowns. He additionally caught 91 balls for 721 yards and four touchdowns, propelling him to lead the league in scrimmage yards with 2,028.
Many have praised Barkley for his efforts on the field, and Barber doesn’t hide his opinions on the running back either.
“He can be one of the greatest ever,” Barber said. “Physically, he’s a freak. I’ll parallel him to Adrian Peterson. When I first met Adrian, I looked at his muscular and body structure and was just in awe. His muscles were popping out of his skin and Saquon is the same way. That portends a durability.
“When you pair that with a passion and desire to be great, you get an Adrian Peterson. Saquon is the same type of player, but he’s much better, because he’s so versatile. Adrian couldn’t catch the ball out of the backfield or line up as a wide receiver. Saquon can do that at a very high level.”