One of the most surprising retirements in NFL history was that of Barry Sanders, who announced his retirement in July 1999 after a decade with the Detroit Lions, making the Pro Bowl 10 times. Now, nearly 30 years later, Saquon Barkley may consider a similar path.

During an interview on “The Green Light” podcast with Chris Long, Barkley, now 28, revealed that he might contemplate retiring as soon as next year.

“I’ll probably be one of those guys that it’ll be out of nowhere. I’ll probably just wake up one day, whether it’s next year or two years or four years, and just be like, ‘Yeah, it’s over,’” he remarked. “I don’t think I will ever lose that passion. I’m just a competitor. … The competitive nature is always going to be there.”

Barkley understands that Sanders exited the league at the peak of his performance and is contemplating following suit.

“One of my favorite players of all time is Barry Sanders, so probably similar to that,” Barkley stated about his potential retirement path.

Barkley, having debuted in the NFL in 2018 as the second overall pick by the Giants, has since had a remarkable career: last year, he became one of only nine players in history to rush for over 2,000 yards, achieving 2,005 yards in total.

While Sanders retired after ten seasons at 30 years old, Barkley will turn 30 shortly after finishing his ninth season in February 2027. His current contract with the Eagles runs through the 2028 season, suggesting he may retire at a similar time as Sanders. Nonetheless, after receiving a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension, which made him the highest-paid running back in NFL history, Barkley is in a position that suggests he may not be ending his career soon.

Personal circumstances might influence his decision, with Barkley now on a successful team, unlike Sanders during his retirement, which was marred by tensions with the Lions.