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Eagles running back Saquon Barkley quite literally broke the internet last season when he completed a backwards hurdle in Philadelphia’s week nine matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The move is still being discussed, and in a recent podcast appearance, the superstar running back compared it to Michael Jordan’s iconic dunk. What else did he say about it?
Saquon Barkley Compares Viral Backwards Hurdle to Michael Jordan’s Legendary Dunk
Barkley’s backwards hurdle ranks among the most impressive plays ever on a football field. He first juked past two defenders, then jumped over a third while twisting his body in midair before sticking the landing.
SAQUON BARKLEY IS NOT OF THIS WORLD.
📺: #JAXvsPHI on CBS/Paramount+📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/UtCENDw6no
— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2024
On Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast, Barkley was asked about the hurdle and compared it to Michael Jordan’s legendary dunk from the 1987 dunk contest, when the NBA great soared from the free throw line.
“Not saying I’m Michael Jordan by any way, but when Michael Jordan jumped from the free throw line in ’84 or whenever it was, that was probably one of the craziest things people have seen,” Barkley said.
Jordan’s dunk was impressive, to say the least. Before that moment, dunking from the free throw line seemed impossible. But like Barkley’s backwards hurdle, it broke the limits of what people thought was possible.
Michael Jordan dunks from the free-throw line in the 1987 NBA Dunk Contest pic.twitter.com/zt6SKTBQjf
— Fascinating (@fasc1nate) June 13, 2025
Barkley wasn’t bragging but admiring the incredible athleticism that players like him and Jordan can achieve.
The Eagles running back added that if he can pull off a move like the backwards hurdle 30 years after Jordan’s dunk contest moment, just imagine what athletes will be able to do years from now.
“If I’m able to jump over someone backwards right now, in like 20, 15, 30 years, what are these kids [going to be able to do]?” Barkley said.
KEEP READING: ‘I Used To Hate Philly’ — Saquon Barkley Makes Feelings Clear on Facing ‘Backlash’ for Signing With Eagles
Barkley has always been an exceptional athlete. As a junior at Penn State in 2017, he had one of the most impressive college football seasons ever, rushing for 1,271 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also added 632 receiving yards with three touchdowns and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns.
Only Saquon Barkley till Kickoff ⏰🤫
Saquon returning the opening kick away at Ohio State never gets old 🔥🐐 pic.twitter.com/CTz2rc3taa
— State Media (@StateMediaPSU) August 4, 2025
Barkley’s athletic ability was a big reason the New York Giants picked him No. 2 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, even though running backs are often undervalued in the NFL.
After struggling with injuries and poor offensive line play in New York, Barkley moved to the Eagles. He quickly reminded people that he’s among the most talented players in the league, rushing for over 2,000 yards in 2024, including the unforgettable backwards hurdle.
While comparing himself to Jordan’s dunk might sound ambitious, Barkley has proven he’s one of the best athletes in the world.
As Barkley and the Eagles prepare to defend their Super Bowl, they will have a tough season-opening test. On Thursday, September 4, Philadelphia will open the year at home against the division rival Dallas Cowboys. The following weeks won’t be a cakewalk either. In Weeks 2-4, the Eagles will take on the Chiefs, Rams, and Buccaneers.
