SAO PAULO -- Running back Saquon Barkley made a remarkable debut for the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, scoring three touchdowns to lead his team to a 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers.
In a nod to soccer terminology, a member of the Brazilian media pointed out to Barkley that he had achieved a "hat trick."
Barkley rushed for 109 yards and became only the second player in franchise history to score three touchdowns in his debut game, joining Terrell Owens, who accomplished the feat in 2004.
"He had an incredible game tonight," said quarterback Jalen Hurts. "It's thrilling to watch him play. I'm glad he's on our team. We’ll keep moving forward, but what a debut."
Barkley scored the Eagles' first touchdown early in the second quarter, catching an 18-yard pass from Hurts in the end zone.
"I'm the first person to ever score in South America," Barkley said. "That's pretty cool."
"From the very first catch, he was on fire," said offensive tackle Lane Johnson. "Every time he scored, I was racing up to celebrate with him."
Johnson had two more chances to celebrate as Barkley added two rushing touchdowns.
The impact Barkley made was exactly what the Eagles front office had hoped for when they signed him to a three-year, $37.75 million contract in free agency.
Barkley had spent months imagining what it would be like to play behind this offensive line and alongside stars like Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert. His performance on the field was "kind of similar to what I pictured," he said.
"It’s really special that despite all the talent we have on this team, and even though today was my day to score touchdowns, there was no resentment," Barkley said. "It was all encouragement—‘Go get four.’ That’s the kind of support you need on a team with so many stars. I expect it to continue throughout the season."
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