It’s one thing to make the weekly highlight reel in the NFL.
It’s next level when that highlight-caliber play also catches the attention of two All-Pros who happen to host one of the most popular sports podcasts on the market, New Heights. That is, of course, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley did just that following his sensational – albeit unconventional – athletic demonstration in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Watch: Saquon Barkley Has NFL Play of the Year in 2024
Barkley’s most recent jaw-dropping play came at 14:17 in the second quarter, with the Eagles facing a third-and-six from the Jacksonville Jaguar’s 44-yard line. Quarterback Jalen Hurts found Barkley for a short completion out of the backfield, but then Barkley turned upfield to gain more yardage.
After side-stepping the first defender, Barkley used a spin move to evade the second defender and then left his feet to execute a reverse hurdle to get past the third defender and finish the play after a gain of 14 yards.
OH MY! YOU JUST GOT BARKLEYED™️@saquon | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/xyib70rth4
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 3, 2024
The play garnered plenty of social media attention, of course.
First Take’s Shannon Sharpe declared it would win NFL Play of the Year at the league’s annual Honors show during Super Bowl week.
.@ShannonSharpe says Saquon Barkley’s reverse hurdle is the play of the year 🤝
“At the honors, that play right there will win 'Play of the Year'.” pic.twitter.com/sfFHggaMPe
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 4, 2024
Travis and Jason Kelce Caution Against Anyone Else Trying ‘Saquon-Plie’
Barkley’s sensational display of athleticism and creativity also caught the attention of the Kelce brothers. They discussed the play on their New Heights podcast episode this week.
Travis Kelce noted that if the effort had ended following Barkley’s spin move, the second evasive action he took on the play, it would’ve deserved special attention. So the fact Barkley pulled off a third – and even more impressive – move took it to the next level.
You can hear his full comments in the clip below.
Jason and Travis Kelce still can't believe Saquon's backwards hurdle. 😅
(🎥: @newheightshow) pic.twitter.com/laVqBVAhd4
— theScore (@theScore) November 6, 2024
Jason Kelce also noted a clip circulating the internet that showed the reaction of Barkley’s teammates, saying that “it’s always fun when your teammates are genuinely shocked at how good you are.”
Another former NFL player, Ross Tucker, also shared a clip of the Eagles sideline and asked his followers to pick out their favorite teammate reaction.
Choose your favorite Eagles player reaction to Saquon’s backwards jump: https://t.co/XGiN5MvymD pic.twitter.com/Dj3Ue9jqZf
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) November 5, 2024
As obviously impressed as both Jason and Travis were, the Kelce brothers both also noted it was not an advisable move for young football players or anyone less athletic than Barkley.
“Kids, do not f—–g do that,” Travis Kelce warned, partially in jest but also with seriousness. “Football is not meant to be played in the air. I promise you that. Unless you’re an incredible athlete. If your athleticism is far more superior than everybody else’s on the field, then do whatever the f–k you want. Outside of that, do not…that is a safety hazard.”