SEE IT: Giants' Saquon Barkley takes home ESPY Award for Best Breakthrough Athlete

Bakley burst onto the NFL scene in 2018

7/11/2019, 1:01 AM
Dec 30, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) points to his family on the sideline during warmups before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com via USA TODAY NETWORK / Danielle Parhizkaran
Dec 30, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) points to his family on the sideline during warmups before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com via USA TODAY NETWORK / Danielle Parhizkaran

Saquon Barkley can add another accolade to his already-illustrious young NFL career.

At Wednesday's ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, the Giants running back took home the award for Best Breakthrough Athlete, edging out Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers, Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, and female tennis player Naomi Osaka. 

"I want to give a congratulations to all of the nominees. I respect all of you guys. You guys are all tremendous athletes," Barkley said in his acceptance speech. "I want to say thank you to the Giants organization for drafting me and taking a chance on me. I wouldn't be able to play the sport I love without you guys, also."

 

In his rookie season, the second overall pick in the draft instantly became one of the most dynamic players in the NFL, rushing for 1,307 yards while adding another 721 as a receiver.

For his stellar performance as a rookie, Barkley was named to the Pro Bowl and took home NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

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