Saquon Barkley reacts to potentially breaking Eric Dickerson's single-season NFL rushing yardage record

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has a golden opportunity in front of him next week in the final game of the regular season. He has the chance to shatter Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing yardage record (even though Barkley will try to do so with one extra game). Barkley has 2,005 rushing yards on 345 carries with one game left. Dickerson ran for an NFL single-season record 2,105 rushing yards on 379 carries.

Barkley needs 101 rushing yards in Week 18 to break the record, which he can achieve in fewer carries. At the beginning of Sunday Night Football, both of the gifted tailbacks spoke with NBC’s Maria Taylor. Saquon Barkley answered a few questions about potentially breaking the record.

“It’s an honor to be mentioned in the same category as him and what he’s been able to accomplish. But yeah, I know that I wouldn’t have been able to even be mentioned in that without the guys up front, the tight ends and the wide receivers and our coaches here. So, it’s a blessing but, you know, whatever happens happens,” Barkley explained.

“I’m ready if, you know, we have the opportunity to do it or if I rest and get ready for the playoffs too, I’m down for that,” Barkley continued.

What are his thoughts on Eric Dickerson not wanting Barkley to break the record?

“I can break the record. Let’s say that. But you know, I get it. I wouldn’t want my records to be broken. But to me, it’s all cool. I’m a little kid living a dream, to even have those conversations to be mentioned in that. I’m a big fan of the position, big fan of the game. You know, I remember when AP, when I watched the game AP came close to doing it,” Barkley noted.

“I remember watching YouTube, Barry Sanders rushed for 2000 against the Jets. I’m living the dream, so it doesn’t mean that much to me. But I’m on cloud nine just having fun. And just excited that we’ve clinched the division and get ready for the playoffs,” Barkley explained.

As the football gods would have it, Barkley will get the chance to break the record against his former team. The New York Giants. What would it mean for him to break the record against his old team?

“If Coach Sirianni made his decision and was like, ‘Yeah, let’s go get it.’ For me, it’s more of the fact that I’m able to put myself in the conversation with a guy like Eric Dickerson. I don’t look at it as too excited to be able to do it against the Giants, but more of the opportunity to put myself in mention with Eric Dickerson. But if that’s not the case either, I’m more than ready to sit out and get my body ready for doing something special,” Barkley finished.

Dickerson rushed for 2,105 yards in 1984, breaking O.J. Simpson‘s record (2,003 yards) which had stood for 11 years. Six tailbacks have rushed for 2,000 yards since Dickerson, but none have been able to surpass his total. Barkley is closing in on Dickerson’s mark, but the Pro Football Hall of Famer doesn’t believe Barkley will break it, nor does he want him to.

Regardless, we’ll see if the former Penn State star gets an opportunity to shatter one of the NFL’s most coveted records next week.

On3’s Nick Kosko also contributed to this article.