Not Emmitt Smith nor Eric Dickerson: Eagles star Saquon Barkley picks the greatest RB in NFL history

Saquon Barkley is currently considered one of the best running backs in the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles star has his biggest inspiration, and surprisingly, it’s neither Eric Dickerson nor Emmitt Smith.

In a recent interview on the latest ‘Hot Ones‘ episode, the current Super Bowl champion revealed that, in his opinion, the best running back in NFL history is one of the legends of the Detroit Lions, Barry Sanders.

“Man, Barry’s my guy. He’s my favorite running back of all time,” Barkley said. “When I was a little kid, I used to wear number 20, and I used to run around and reverse the field and they used to call me, ‘Little Barry.’ At this time, I went to my dad and I’m like, ‘Who are they talking about?’ He made me sit down and go on YouTube, and that’s when I kind of fell in love with Barry Sanders as a running back.”

The former Giants player also added: “And then being able to meet him in person and have conversations with him and have a great relationship with him, him sending that out to me, I’m lucky. Sometimes I look back and I just smile and think how blessed I am.”

Former running back Barry Sanders #20 of the Detroit Lions runs on the field prior to an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field on October 16, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan.

Sanders’ respect for Barkley

Saquon Barkley’s rise in the NFL as one of the top running backs prompted Sanders himself to speak out, showing immense respect for the former Giant, acknowledging that Barkley is giving much more value to the position than it had in previous years.

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“What Saquon did, I think he really restored a lot of faith in what the running back position can do,” Sanders said via Pro Football Network. “He’s a unique individual in that his skill set, the way he plays the game, the situation he’s in, the great team that he’s surrounded by, all those things matter and help with what he’s doing. But, he’s certainly a generational type of talent.”

Sanders’ greatest achievements

Selected with the 3rd pick in the first round of the 1989 Draft, Barry Sanders joined the Detroit Lions from Oklahoma State, where he would later become one of the greatest legends of the franchise.

A 10-time Pro Bowler, the running back was named the MVP of the season in 1997. Additionally, he was honored as the league’s best offensive player twice: in 1994 and 1997.

Throughout his career, Sanders amassed 15,269 rushing yards, scoring 99 rushing touchdowns. Not only that, but through the air, he recorded 352 receptions, accumulating 2,921 yards and a total of 10 receiving touchdowns.