In the world of professional sports, records are often seen as sacred monuments, legacies etched in stone that players hope will stand for eternity. They are a measure of a player’s unparalleled dominance and a testament to their place in history. Yet, for a player like Saquon Barkley, who recently added a Super Bowl ring to his resume and came within inches of a historic 2,000-yard NFL rushing season, records are not meant to be held forever. They are meant to be broken.

The Philadelphia Eagles running back and former Penn State star has made a surprising and refreshing declaration: he wants his Penn State records to be shattered by two current Nittany Lions, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. In an era where rivalries and professional pride can often overshadow camaraderie, Barkley’s stance offers a powerful lesson in mentorship and the true spirit of competition.

The Pursuit of History

Saquon Barkley’s time at Penn State from 2015 to 2017 was nothing short of legendary. He left Happy Valley with his name all over the program’s record books, becoming a benchmark for future generations of running backs. He holds the all-time records for rushing touchdowns (43) and total touchdowns (53), and he stands second in all-time rushing yards with 3,843—a record he likely would have owned had he played a fourth season. His mark of 5,538 all-purpose yards also ranks as the best in program history.

Now, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen are in hot pursuit of those very records. As they enter the final stretch of their collegiate careers, the dynamic duo is closing in fast. Through three games of their final season, Allen sits at eighth on the all-time rushing yards list with 3,150, while Singleton is right behind him at ninth with 3,091. They are also within striking distance of Evan Royster’s all-time rushing yards record of 3,932, a mark that would be a stepping stone to surpassing Barkley’s legacy.

A Different Kind of Mindset

What makes Barkley’s position so unique is its striking contrast to a recent personal experience. Just last season, as he was closing in on Eric Dickerson’s single-season NFL rushing record of 2,105 yards, Dickerson publicly stated he “absolutely” did not want Barkley to break his record. Barkley, needing just 96 yards to surpass the mark, was ultimately held out of a meaningless Week 18 game, a decision that cemented Dickerson’s record for at least another year.

This experience, it seems, only strengthened Barkley’s belief that records are a celebration of achievement, not a territory to be jealously guarded. “I’m not one of those guys that are like, ‘Oh, I don’t want you to pass me,’” Barkley told PennLive. “You want that. That’s what [records are] for.” His words are a refreshing departure from the norm, a testament to a philosophy that prioritizes shared success and the elevation of a program over individual glory.

He sees his place in Penn State history not as an end point, but as a challenge to be met and surpassed. “It’s cool that I’m someone that guys are chasing,” Barkley noted, drawing a parallel to his own college days when he was chasing the likes of Larry Johnson and John Cappelletti. This humble perspective, coming from a player who has reached the pinnacle of his sport, reveals a deeply ingrained sense of respect for the game and the players who come after him.

A Duo Forged in Loyalty

Beyond the numbers, Barkley’s admiration for Singleton and Allen runs deeper. He highlights their decision to stick together as a testament to their character. Singleton and Allen have been a formidable tandem since they arrived in Happy Valley, often splitting carries and elevating each other’s game. Barkley, who is now 28 and refers to himself as “an old head,” understands the sacrifice and commitment this loyalty requires.

They both had opportunities to transfer to other programs to become a single “bell-cow” back, and they also had the chance to declare for the NFL draft after last season. Yet, they chose to return for their senior year, driven by a collective goal: to win a national championship. This shared ambition and dedication to the team is something Barkley deeply respects. As he pointed out, if one of them had left, the other might already be atop the record charts, a clear indication of their immense talent.

Their decision to stay is a powerful story in itself, a narrative of friendship and a shared dream. If they do manage to achieve their ultimate goal of a national title, it would mean playing a long and grueling 17-game season. This extended schedule would provide them with a very real chance to not only break Evan Royster’s rushing record but to also etch their names above Barkley’s in the history books for rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and all-purpose yards.

In the end, Saquon Barkley’s story is a compelling reminder that legacy is not just about what you accomplish alone, but about how you inspire others to achieve greatness. By embracing the possibility of his records being broken, he solidifies his status as a true champion—one who measures success not by the records he keeps, but by the records he helps others to chase. It’s a sentiment that speaks volumes about the man behind the helmet, and it’s a powerful lesson for athletes at every level of the game.