The 2025 ESPY Awards took off on Wednesday night at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Trophies will be handed out for best male and female athlete, best championship performance and more. One of the most iconic plays in the 2024 NFL season was made by Saquon Barkley with his hurdle that happened in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Saquon Barkley Winning Best Play in 2025 ESPY’s
The Philadelphia Eagles running back flew like an eagle on the play, reverse hurdling over Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones to convert a third-and-six in the second quarter. This play ended up being the talk of the NFL season and the ESPY’s certainly agreed by awarding Saquon Barkley with the best play of the year. The iconic hurdle also made the cover of the newest Madden video game.
The jump beat Tyrese Haliburton’s game winner in the NBA Finals, Sabrina Ionescu’s game winner in the WNBA Finals and Trinity Rodman’s walk-off goal to send the USWNT to the semifinals.
Philadelphia ended up winning the game 28-23 thanks in no small part to Barkley’s 199 total yards (159 rushing, 40 receiving) and two touchdowns. Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said ” It was the best play I’ve ever seen.” Eagles wide receiver Devonte Smith said “crazy, I ain’t never seen nothing like it.”
It was an iconic play in an incredible season for the former No. 2 overall pick. Barkley signed with the Super Bowl champion Eagles. He led the league in carries (345) and rushing yards (2,005) and tallied 15 total touchdowns. That was good enough for first-team All-Pro and Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Saquon Barkley is also nominated for Best Male Athlete and Best NFL Player in the 2025 ESPYs Awards. Barkley has set the all-time record for rushing yards (regular season and playoffs) while winning AP Offensive Player of the Year honors. Barkley had many special plays throughout the season, but the reserve hurdle stands in a league of its own.
2025 ESPY Awards
The 2025 ESPY Awards will continue Wednesday night show casing the best of the best when it comes to teams, athletes and individuals who have made an impact not only in sports but in their communities making a difference.
