Saquon Barkley continues to grow his financial portfolio through NFL contracts and endorsements.
At Penn State University, he revolutionized the running back position, setting numerous school records over three outstanding seasons.
His collegiate career was marked by extraordinary performances, including finishing fourth in Heisman Trophy voting with 304 votes in 2017.
Beyond the raw statistics, Barkley’s versatility showed in his record-breaking achievements: 5,538 all-purpose career yards, 43 career rushing touchdowns, and 1,157 receiving yards as a running back – the most in Penn State’s history.
His impact was immediate, rushing for 1,076 yards as a freshman and following up with 1,496 yards as a sophomore, both school records for their respective years.
Upon entering the NFL as the second overall pick by the Giants in 2018, Barkley wasted no time making his mark.
His rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, scoring his first NFL touchdown on a 68-yard rush in the season opener against Jacksonville.
He continued to break records, including setting the Giants’ franchise record for most catches in a game with 14 receptions against Dallas.
His rookie campaign culminated in numerous accolades, including the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, a Pro Bowl selection, and the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Year honor.
The season saw him surpass 1,000 rushing yards, making him the first Giants rookie to achieve this milestone.
Barkley’s subsequent years with New York showed both his resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity.
Despite facing a high ankle sprain in 2019 and a torn ACL in 2020 that ended his season prematurely, he returned to form impressively.
The 2022 season marked a strong comeback, as he rushed for 1,312 yards and scored ten touchdowns, earning his second Pro Bowl selection.
His performance in the playoffs was equally notable, including a 109-yard scrimmage effort with two touchdowns in the Wild Card victory over Minnesota.
In 2024, Barkley made a bold move by signing with the Eagles, immediately impacting his new team.
His Eagles debut was historic, as he became the first player since Terrell Owens in 2004 to score three touchdowns in their first game with the team.
His performances have continued to be stellar, including a franchise-record 255 rushing yards in a single game against the Rams, the ninth-highest single-game rushing total in NFL history.
His consistency and explosive play-making ability have made him an integral part of the Eagles’ offense, breaking the team’s single-season rushing record previously held by LeSean McCoy.
Barkley’s Financial Strategy Focuses on Endorsements and Smart Investments
Barkley’s financial success mirrors his on-field achievements.
His current contract with the Eagles is a testament to his value in the NFL.
The three-year, $37.75 million deal includes a substantial $11.6 million signing bonus and $26 million in guaranteed money.
Breaking down his earnings, Barkley will receive approximately $24 million in the first two years alone, with a modest $3.9 million cap hit in 2024 that increases to $13.5 million in 2025.
His annual salary of $12.6 million positions him among the NFL’s highest-paid running backs, trailing only Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Jonathan Taylor.
Beyond his NFL earnings, Barkley has built an impressive financial portfolio.
His estimated net worth ranges between $25.8 million and $32 million, accumulated through both his NFL contracts and lucrative endorsement deals.
His marketing appeal has attracted partnerships with major brands like Nike, Pepsi, and Toyota, generating approximately $10 million annually in endorsement income.
Demonstrating financial acumen, Barkley maintains a strategy of living off his endorsement earnings while investing his NFL salary.
He’s also ventured into business investments, notably backing the energy drink company X2 Performance in 2021 and joining other notable investors from the sports and media world.
With his new Eagles contract potentially reaching $46.75 million through incentives, Barkley’s financial trajectory continues to ascend, reflecting both his athletic prowess and business savvy.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In addition to football, Barkley was also a talented track and field athlete in high school, setting a Whitehall High School record with a 10.90-second time in the 100-meter dash and achieving marks of 46’2.5″ in the shot put and 6’0″ in the high jump.
- His great uncle is former WBC middleweight champion Iran Barkley, and his brother Alibay Jr. was a baseball player drafted by the Los Angeles Angels.
- In 2021, his high school (Whitehall High School) retired his jersey number (#21), making him one of only three alumni to receive this honor alongside NFL players Matt Millen and Dan Koppen.
