New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley recalls Tom Brady hyping him up for this season at the Met Gala in New York City.
This week, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley was present at the NFL Network event in Lincoln Center for the league’s 100th season.
While there, he spoke to an audience with Hall of Fame running backs Barry Sanders, Terrell Davis, and LaDainian Tomlinson. In one specific story, Barkley recalled meeting New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady at the Met Gala in New York City.
“It’s great to do it for one season, but can you do it for five? Can you do it for 10?” Barkley recalls Brady saying, per Ryan Dunleavy of nj.com. “I’m standing there at the Met Gala ready to run through a brick wall.”
In one year, Barkley tallied 1,307 rushing yards with 11 touchdowns He also racked up 91 receptions for 721 yards and four scores through the air. This led to him winning the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, the Pepsi Rookie of the Year, the FedEx Ground Player of the Year, and receiving Pro Bowl honors.
Barkley understands that if he can do this all in one year, he can accomplish a whole lot throughout his entire career. He also realizes that getting this type of advice from an NFL legend is something that shouldn’t be forgotten.
“Sometimes you take it for granted,” Barkley said. “But to able to talk to legends that you’ve been watching for a very long time? Every day I talk to one with Eli (Manning). You don’t really take the time to cherish it. You are so caught up in the moment. Sometimes, you have to take a step back.”