Travis Kelce and his brother Jason have found common ground in their discussions about the NFL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) race this year. The Kansas City Chiefs star is particularly passionate about one candidate: Saquon Barkley. In a recent conversation, Travis boldly asked Jason, "What are we even talking about?" when discussing Barkley’s credentials for the prestigious award.
The Kelce brothers were diving deep into the impressive performance of Barkley, who has been nothing short of phenomenal since joining the Philadelphia Eagles from the New York Giants. With a staggering 1,499 rushing yards, Barkley currently leads the league, outpacing Derrick Henry, who sits at 1,407 yards. This remarkable achievement has propelled the Eagles to a 10-2 record, placing them firmly in Super Bowl contention.
Saquon Barkley’s Impact on the Eagles
Barkley’s contributions have been pivotal for the Eagles, not just in terms of statistics but also in the way he impacts games. He is on track to potentially break Eric Dickerson’s long-standing single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set back in 1984. If he achieves this feat, Barkley could become the first non-quarterback to win the MVP award since Adrian Peterson did it in 2012.
Jason Kelce expressed his thoughts on Barkley’s MVP candidacy during their conversation on the podcast "New Heights." He stated, "If he breaks that record and the Eagles end up being NFC champions – I don’t know how you don’t give that to Saquon Barkley." This sentiment captures the essence of what makes Barkley so valuable: his ability to deliver crucial, game-changing plays in the second half that can either secure a win or put the game out of reach for opponents.
Travis Kelce’s Strong Support for Barkley
Travis Kelce took the discussion a step further, asserting that even if Barkley doesn’t break the rushing record, his performance is still worthy of MVP consideration. "If he’s one of the best players on one of the best teams in the league and he’s proven it year in and year out in the biggest moments," Travis argued, "what are we even talking about?" This strong endorsement from one of the league’s top tight ends adds significant weight to Barkley’s MVP candidacy.
Barkley’s recent performance against the Baltimore Ravens, where he racked up 107 yards and a touchdown, showcased his ability to shine in high-pressure situations. His explosive style of play has made him a nightmare for defenses, and Travis highlighted this by saying, "Whenever they need a huge play in the second half, who better to give the ball to than Saquon Barkley?"
The Case for Non-Quarterback MVPs
The conversation around MVP candidates often leans heavily towards quarterbacks, but the Kelce brothers are making a compelling case for Barkley. The last non-quarterback to win the MVP award was Adrian Peterson, and the NFL has seen a trend of quarterbacks dominating the conversation. However, Barkley’s performance this season challenges that narrative. He not only leads in rushing yards but also contributes significantly to the Eagles’ overall success.
Travis emphasized Barkley’s physical attributes, noting, "He’s 0-60 faster than any other human that I’ve ever seen. He’s such a big dude – quads enormous." The combination of speed and power makes Barkley a unique talent, and if he continues to perform at this level, he could very well be in the running for the MVP award.
The Kelce Brothers’ Unique Perspective
The dynamic between the Kelce brothers adds a personal touch to the MVP debate. Both players understand the game from a unique perspective—Travis as a star tight end and Jason as a former lineman. Their insights not only reflect their love for the game but also their ability to recognize talent and value in players outside of their positions.
Jason’s commentary on Barkley highlights the importance of impactful plays in crucial moments. "The thing that makes him so valuable is these big, second-half runs that either win games or put them out of reach," he stated. This perspective is vital in understanding what it truly means to be an MVP.
As the NFL season progresses, the MVP race will continue to heat up. With standout performances from players like Saquon Barkley, the conversation will undoubtedly evolve. The Kelce brothers are not just fans; they are passionate advocates for recognizing greatness in all its forms, regardless of position.
In a league often dominated by quarterback narratives, the Kelce brothers are shining a light on the importance of recognizing exceptional talent across all positions. Saquon Barkley’s case for MVP is not just about numbers; it’s about the impact he has on his team and the game itself. As the Eagles push for a championship, all eyes will be on Barkley to see if he can secure not only a Super Bowl ring but also the coveted MVP title.
