Mark Ingram declares Saquon Barkley the reason Eagles are back in Super Bowl LIX: 'Special season'

Former New Orleans Saints star Mark Ingram analyzes Saquon Barkley's sensational 2024 season ahead of Super Bowl LIX with Fox News Digital

NEW ORLEANS – Since 2009, there have only been four 2,000-yard rushing seasons in the NFL. 

It began with Chris Johnson, known forever as "CJ2K" after his 2009 season with the Tennessee Titans. Then, Adrian Peterson defied all odds when he came back to the Minnesota Vikings after tearing his ACL in 2011, rushing for 2,097 in 2012. 

Finally, Derrick Henry, another Titans running back, notched 2,027 yards during the 2020 campaign, and he almost got it again with the Baltimore Ravens in 2024. 

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Mark Ingram attends the 10th Annual Unbridled Eve Kentucky Derby Gala at The Galt House Hotel on May 5, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Unbridled Eve)

The 2024 season's top rusher, though, was Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley, who had one former running back star believing his campaign was better than all the ones mentioned before. 

"In recent memory, man, just the impact he had coming from the Giants and going to the Eagles in season one, is second to none for sure," Mark Ingram II, the New Orleans Saints legend back in town for Super Bowl LIX where Barkley will be playing, told Fox News Digital on Radio Row. "We’ve seen some special performances from backs, but his season is second to none. 

"What he’s been able to do, the value he’s shown to the Eagles organization, the value he’s showing to the Eagles’ offense. It's been a special season."

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When it comes to running backs, what Ingram loves most is when a player is a complete back.