Saquon Barkley’s Jersey Retired at Whitehall High School

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley was invited back to his hometown of Whitehall, PA for a very special moment. 

Whitehall High School hosted Barkley on Sept. 10 to retire his No. 21 jersey. 

A three-year starter for the Whitehall Zephyrs, Barkley ran for 3,646 yards with 63 touchdowns and was named Mr. Pennsylvania for football in 2014. He went on to Penn State for his collegiate career, where he was a three-time All-Big Ten selection and an All-American.

Barkley was drafted second overall by the Giants and earned Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl accolades in 2018. 

Barkley’s number is the third retired by the school. NFL Legends Matt Millen and Dan Koppen both have had their numbers retired.

Millen and Koppen have won six Super Bowl rings between them. During his 12-year career, Millen won four rings while playing linebacker with the Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, and the Washington Football Team. Koppen, an 11-year NFL veteran, started at center for two Super Bowl victories with the New England Patriots.

Barkley suffered a torn ACL in 2020. He said receiving the honor in his hometown gave him a boost as he recovered from the injury and prepared for the first game of the Giants' 2021 campaign. Watch his comments below.

Photo courtesy of Whitehall Athletics.