New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has been nominated for “Best Breakthrough Athlete” at this year’s ESPY Awards.
Saquon Barkley keeps on getting recognized for his greatness on the football field. The New York Giants running back has been nominated for an award at the 27th annual ESPY’s. The award is for “Best Breakthrough Athlete.” If he wins, they’ll present it to him on the night of the ESPY’s on July 10.
The other athletes nominated in this category were Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich, Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young, and 2018 US Open/2019 Australian Open single’s champion Naomi Osaka.
Fans can vote on who wins starting the first week of July at the ESPY Awards’ website.
Having a spectacular rookie season, Barkley rushed for 1,307 yards on the ground with 11 touchdowns. He also caught 91 passes for 721 yards and four scores through the air. He led the league with 2,028 all-purpose yards. Barkley was only the third rookie in NFL history to eclipse the 2,000 scrimmage yard mark.
Barkley’s 91 receptions set the record for most single-season catches by a rookie running back. Reggie Bush previously set the record with 88 in 2006.
If Barkley were to win the award, it’ll be another to add in his shrine in his still very young NFL career. This past season, Barkley’s efforts earned him the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, the Pepsi Rookie of the Year and the FedEx Ground Player of the Year.
Despite the potential of a “sophomore slump,” fans are optimistic that that won’t happen to Barkley. He’s a generational talent that the Giants should’ve absolutely selected with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2018 draft. Some still believe the Giants should’ve taken a quarterback such as Sam Darnold with that pick.
The ESPY Awards will premiere on Wed. July 10 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. Tracy Morgan will host the event from the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.