Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson found himself in the spotlight this week after responding to criticism from former NFL star LeSean McCoy. The controversy centers around Dickerson’s remarks about Saquon Barkley’s pursuit of the single-season rushing record, a mark Dickerson has held since 1984.
On Friday, Dickerson addressed McCoy’s comments and clarified his position, defending his viewpoint while emphasizing his respect for Barkley and the running back position.
Dickerson Sets the Record Straight
During a candid statement, Dickerson reiterated his admiration for running backs while explaining why he isn’t actively rooting for his record to be broken.
“I love running backs. I’m a running back. My favorite player was O.J. Simpson,” Dickerson said. “I’ve always said O.J. did it in 14 games, and I did it in 15—one extra game. I would never hate on another running back. That’s not me. Know your history about running backs.”
Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set nearly four decades ago, remains one of the most iconic achievements in NFL history. While Barkley has had an exceptional season with the Philadelphia Eagles, surpassing 2,000 rushing yards, the Eagles’ decision to rest him in Week 18 all but guarantees Dickerson’s record will remain intact for another year.
“If [Barkley] broke the record, brother, I ain’t going to lose any sleep over that,” Dickerson said. “But am I cheering for someone to break my record? No, I don’t think anybody does. If you have a record and you want somebody to break it, that’s on you. I’m different. I’m old school. You know how hard it is to get a record? Very hard.”
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A Barkley Fan, Not a Hater
Dickerson took the opportunity to clarify that his stance isn’t rooted in animosity toward Barkley, whom he views as an elite talent.
“I’m a Saquon Barkley fan. I never thought he reached his full potential in New York,” Dickerson explained. “I’m glad to see him in Philadelphia. I’m glad to see him get 2,000 yards. So don’t say I’m hating on running backs.”
Dickerson also underscored the historical context of his record, pointing out the challenges and accomplishments of those who came before him.
“If you know your history, look up what I said about O.J. O.J. had it in 14 [games], I did it in 15. That’s what I think of the running back position,” he said.
The Debate Over Records
The debate surrounding records and whether players should root for their milestones to be broken is not new. Some athletes, like Drew Brees and Peyton Manning, have celebrated their successors for surpassing their records. Others, like Dickerson, take a more traditional stance, valuing the significance and difficulty of their achievements.
Dickerson’s remarks sparked conversation among fans and analysts, with some agreeing that it’s natural for record-holders to want their marks to stand, while others criticized his comments as unsupportive.
McCoy’s Criticism
LeSean McCoy, a two-time Super Bowl champion and former All-Pro running back, was among those who called out Dickerson for his comments about Barkley. McCoy accused Dickerson of being dismissive of the younger generation of running backs and not supporting Barkley’s quest to make history.
Dickerson, however, pushed back against that characterization, insisting that his remarks were misinterpreted and rooted in respect for the difficulty of achieving greatness in the NFL.
Barkley’s Stellar Season
Saquon Barkley’s resurgence with the Eagles has been one of the season’s most compelling stories. After years of ups and downs with the New York Giants, Barkley has thrived in Philadelphia, proving his critics wrong and demonstrating why he’s one of the league’s premier backs. His 2,000-yard campaign has been a testament to his talent and resilience.
Despite falling short of Dickerson’s record, Barkley’s accomplishments this season have solidified his place among the NFL’s elite.
A Legacy Untouched—For Now
While Dickerson’s record remains safe for another year, the ongoing debate highlights the reverence and competitiveness surrounding historic achievements in sports. Dickerson’s defense of his stance underscores his respect for the position and the immense difficulty of setting and maintaining a record.
For Barkley, the focus now shifts to the postseason, where he’ll aim to lead the Eagles on a deep playoff run. For Dickerson, the conversation serves as a reminder of his legacy and the enduring significance of one of the NFL’s most iconic records.
