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7 hours ago
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Saquon Barkley is the best running back on the planet.
But when the 2028 Olympics roll around with the debut of flag football, the Eagles running back could be a bit out of luck. There isn’t much room for running the ball in the five-a-side game.
Except, there might be another way to get Barkley on the field.
Where would he play? Center.
Yeah, seriously.
The Wall Street Journal’s Wednesday print edition breaks it down like this:
“Someone needs to snap the ball and then become a safety valve for the quarterback. That happens to be an excellent way to get a dynamic player onto the field, even in a pass-heavy game that deprioritizes the ability to run between the tackles.
“Anybody who watched the Eagles’ Super Bowl run knows exactly how easily Barkley can elude defenders. And good luck to anybody trying to grab his flag when he hurdles over them backwards.”
MORE: Lamar Jackson could make a position change for the Olympics
Yeah, if the United States brings the superstars, it’ll be quite the show.
Barkley could probably figure out how to toss the ball to whoever is back at quarterback, then pretty much turn around and show off his yard-after-catch skills.
Center seems like it’s mostly a YAC position in this altered game. The Sporting News’ projections for the roster put 49ers tight end George Kittle at that spot, given his own ability to run with the football.
Barkley might make more sense because the physical part of breaking tackles is gone and it’s more about elusiveness.
Sign us up to watch a team that could put the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Barkley, Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase all on the field at the same time.
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