Eric Dickerson, the Hall of Fame running back, holds the single-season rushing record set during the 1984 NFL season with 2,105 yards, and now he finds himself at the center of attention as the Philadelphia Eagles' Saquon Barkley inches closer to dethroning him. With just two games left to play, Barkley, currently at 1,838 rushing yards, only needs 268 yards to surpass Dickerson's long-standing record. But amid this historical moment, Dickerson has made it abundantly clear: he doesn’t want Barkley to break his record.
Speaking with Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times, Dickerson expressed his skepticism about Barkley achieving the milestone, sharing, “I don’t think he’ll break it. But if he breaks it, he breaks it. Do I want him to break it? Absolutely not.” His strong sentiments reflect not only pride but also the competitive nature prevalent among elite athletes.
Dickerson achieved his impressive total during 16 games played, and the controversy surrounding Barkley’s pursuit centers around the fact he has 17 scheduled games to accomplish the feat, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. “He had 17 games to do it? Hey, football is football. That’s the way I look at it,” Dickerson noted, exhibiting both pragmatism and candor.
The record-breaking chase isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about narratives. Dickerson pointed out the irony of Barkley potentially breaking the record against his former team, the New York Giants, explaining, “How ironic would it be for him to break the record on them, the team who let him go? A true slap in the face.” This sentiment evokes both sympathy for Barkley and the nostalgia from Dickerson’s own storied career.
Despite the fierce competition, Barkley’s continued excellence is notable. His performance throughout the season has led some to speculate on his potential MVP candidacy, even though other players like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are currently favored. Nevertheless, as Barkley gears up to face the Dallas Cowboys—a team allowing 135.9 rushing yards per game—coaches and fans are optimistic about his chances, especially considering they’ll rely more on the ground game due to starter Jalen Hurts being sidelined with a concussion.
Barkley, averaging 122.5 rushing yards per game this season, has already made history by ascending past elite names like Barry Sanders and Adrian Peterson concerning single-season yardage. If he manages to reach 2,000 rushing yards, he would become only the ninth player ever to do so, joining legends like O.J. Simpson and Derrick Henry.
Yet, with statistics come high expectations. To break Dickerson’s record, Barkley must average 133.5 yards per game over his remaining outings. Despite being close to the 2,000-yard threshold, Barkley currently sits 267 yards away from the record. This tight race adds to the excitement surrounding the NFL as the season approaches its climax.
The race for record-breaking achievements often brings with it not just expectations but also anxieties and rivalries, creating rich narratives within the league. Dickerson’s refusal to cheer on the likely new record-holder shows the reverence and legacy associated with being atop the rushing chart.
Vic Wu, a veteran sports analyst, noted, “Records are hard-won and sacred to those who hold them.” The statements from Dickerson bolster the idea of personal stakes intertwined with performance—a true hallmark of competitive sports.
What’s next for Barkley is what the football community will be watching closely. After the upcoming game against the Cowboys, he'll face the Giants, where he may have the chance to etch his name even more permanently in the annals of NFL history. Meanwhile, Dickerson will watch attentively, unsure of his feelings about what might happen next.
Regardless of whether Barkley achieves the remarkable feat, his performance this season has already sparked lively debate and rekindled fond memories of Dickerson’s unbreakable legacy. It is this blend of historical precedence, personal emotion, and sheer athleticism—and the unfurling drama of the NFL season—that captivates fans each year.
