FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley ignited excitement among Atlanta Falcons fans with a glowing endorsement of Bijan Robinson on X Friday, declaring the young star is poised to dominate the NFL. Barkley, fresh off a historic 2,000-yard rushing season, praised Robinson’s unique skills, signaling high expectations for the Falcons’ running back in 2025.
“There’s nobody who’s able to cut like Bijan in the NFL. There’s not. You can go argue your mom about that,” Barkley posted, adding, “I think Bijan’s the next great one. It’s finna get scary for a lot of people.” The veteran’s words carry weight, as Barkley, the 2024 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, led the league with 2,005 rushing yards and powered the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory.
Robinson, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, responded with humility, expressing gratitude for Barkley’s respect. The two share a bond, with Robinson previously calling Saquon Barkley a mentor and friend after the Eagles’ playoff win over the Rams in January. Their mutual admiration underscores a resurgence of the running back position, which Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson have helped elevate.
At the Falcons’ training camp in Flowery Branch, Robinson showcased the agility and vision Barkley lauded. During Thursday’s practice, the 23-year-old dazzled onlookers with sharp cuts and explosive bursts, earning praise from teammates. Wide receiver Drake London said, “That’s Bijan. That’s who we expect him to be. He helps open up the pass game.” Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. added, “The things he can do with the ball in his hands are insane.”
Robinson’s sophomore season in 2024 saw him rush for 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns, ranking third in the NFL behind Barkley and Baltimore’s Derrick Henry. He also led the league with a 92.2 rushing grade from Pro Football Focus, outshining even Barkley. With Penix now the full-time starter, the Falcons’ offense aims to leverage Robinson’s dynamic playmaking to fuel a breakout year.
The Falcons, who finished 8-9 last season and missed the playoffs, are banking on Robinson to lead a potent ground game. His 34 explosive runs of 10-plus yards tied for fourth among running backs, but Robinson eyes bigger plays in 2025, inspired by Barkley’s seven 50-plus-yard rushes. “We’re done with 30-yard runs,” Robinson said at OTAs. “It’s time to get those 60 yards, 50 yards.”
As Atlanta gears up for its season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Barkley’s endorsement and Robinson’s camp performance signal a potential changing of the guard. With the Falcons’ revamped offense and Robinson’s elite talent, the team is poised for a big year, and Robinson may just prove Barkley right as the NFL’s next great one.
Denny Hamlin is saving NASCAR.
Bengals make season changing signing.
