Eagles working again Saquon Barkley fairly actually broke the web final season when he accomplished a backwards hurdle in Philadelphia’s week 9 matchup towards the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The transfer continues to be being mentioned, and in a current podcast look, the celebrity working again in contrast it to Michael Jordan’s iconic dunk. What else did he say about it?
Saquon Barkley Compares Viral Backwards Hurdle to Michael Jordan’s Legendary Dunk
Barkley’s backwards hurdle ranks among the many most spectacular performs ever on a soccer area. He first juked previous two defenders, then jumped over a 3rd whereas twisting his physique in midair earlier than sticking the touchdown.
SAQUON BARKLEY IS NOT OF THIS WORLD.
📺: #JAXvsPHI on CBS/Paramount+📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/UtCENDw6no
— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2024
On Barstool Sports activities’ “Pardon My Take” podcast, Barkley was requested in regards to the hurdle and in contrast it to Michael Jordan’s legendary dunk from the 1987 dunk contest, when the NBA nice soared from the free throw line.
“Not saying I’m Michael Jordan by any method, however when Michael Jordan jumped from the free throw line in ’84 or at any time when it was, that was in all probability one of many craziest issues folks have seen,” Barkley mentioned.
Jordan’s dunk was spectacular, to say the least. Earlier than that second, dunking from the free throw line appeared unattainable. However like Barkley’s backwards hurdle, it broke the boundaries of what folks thought was attainable.
Michael Jordan dunks from the free-throw line within the 1987 NBA Dunk Contest pic.twitter.com/zt6SKTBQjf
— Fascinating (@fasc1nate) June 13, 2025
Barkley wasn’t bragging however admiring the unimaginable athleticism that gamers like him and Jordan can obtain.
The Eagles working again added that if he can pull off a transfer just like the backwards hurdle 30 years after Jordan’s dunk contest second, simply think about what athletes will have the ability to do years from now.
“If I’m capable of bounce over somebody backwards proper now, in like 20, 15, 30 years, what are these youngsters [going to be able to do]?” Barkley mentioned.
KEEP READING: ‘I Used To Hate Philly’ — Saquon Barkley Makes Emotions Clear on Going through ‘Backlash’ for Signing With Eagles
Barkley has at all times been an distinctive athlete. As a junior at Penn State in 2017, he had some of the spectacular school soccer seasons ever, speeding for 1,271 yards and 18 touchdowns. He additionally added 632 receiving yards with three touchdowns and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns.
Solely Saquon Barkley until Kickoff ⏰🤫
Saquon returning the opening kick away at Ohio State by no means will get previous 🔥🐐 pic.twitter.com/CTz2rc3taa
— State Media (@StateMediaPSU) August 4, 2025
Barkley’s athletic potential was an enormous purpose the New York Giants picked him No. 2 total within the 2018 NFL Draft, although working backs are sometimes undervalued within the NFL.
After scuffling with accidents and poor offensive line play in New York, Barkley moved to the Eagles. He shortly reminded people who he’s among the many most proficient gamers within the league, speeding for over 2,000 yards in 2024, together with the unforgettable backwards hurdle.
Whereas evaluating himself to Jordan’s dunk would possibly sound formidable, Barkley has confirmed he’s among the best athletes on the earth.
As Barkley and the Eagles put together to defend their Tremendous Bowl, they’ll have a tricky season-opening take a look at. On Thursday, September 4, Philadelphia will open the yr at house towards the division rival Dallas Cowboys. The next weeks received’t be a cakewalk both. In Weeks 2-4, the Eagles will tackle the Chiefs, Rams, and Buccaneers.
