Saquon Barkley Talks About His First Impressions of Jalen Hurts in Eagles Practice

Saquon Barkley, the star running back, recently opened up about his first encounters with Jalen Hurts during their early practices together with the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley, known for his hard-nosed play and leadership, shared how it felt going up against Hurts in practice and how the quarterback’s approach to the game immediately stood out to him.

Speaking on a recent podcast, Barkley explained:

“When I first got to practice with Jalen, I was a little starsrtuck. I knew he was a special talent, but what really struck me was his calmness and focus. He wasn’t fazed by the intensity of the drills or the big moments, and that’s what made him stand out right away.”

He continued,

“At first, it was just like any other practice, but the more I went up against him, the more I saw that he was different. He’s got this aura about him. He’s the kind of guy who leads by example. Watching him perform, you realize he’s not just a talented quarterback—he’s a leader who’s always one step ahead of the defense.”

Barkley also added: “When we went through training camp and into the season, I could see how the whole team fed off Jalen. He has this natural confidence that makes you want to play your best. The way he carries himself—never rattled, always pushing forward—that’s something that motivates everyone on the team to elevate their game.”

Barkley acknowledged that while Hurts’ playmaking ability was evident, his leadership and mental toughness were even more impressive: “Jalen brings an energy to the team that’s unmatched. It wasn’t just about what he did with the ball in his hands—it was about how he rallied the guys around him and kept everyone engaged, no matter what.”

In the end, Barkley summed up his experience: “It’s rare to see someone so young with the kind of leadership Jalen has. He’s definitely the heart and soul of this team, and he makes us all better every day.”

This insightful reflection by Saquon Barkley shows just how much Jalen Hurts has influenced the Philadelphia Eagles since his arrival, not just with his arm and legs, but with his leadership and mindset.