One of the best stories in the NFL this season involves star running backs Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs who are demonstrating how a fresh start with a new team can reignite careers and lead to significant success.
Each of these players, who currently are the top three leaders of the NFL in rushing yards, was let go by their previous teams despite their talents, only to thrive in systems that better align with their strengths. This not only speaks to their athletic ability but also underscores the importance of mindset when transitioning to a new environment.
After being a mainstay of the New York Giants, Barkley now anchors the Philadelphia Eagles’ rushing attack, leading the NFL with 1,499 yards. His focus remains on contributing to his team rather than dwelling on past decisions, especially how he was forced to leave New York. The Giants couldn’t afford to keep Daniel Jones and Barkley and they decided to keep their longtime quarterback. The G-Men made the wrong move in letting Barkley go, especially as the Giants and Jones mutually parted ways last month. Thanks in large part to Barkley, the Eagles are soaring on top of the division while the Giants rank as one of the worst teams in the NFL.
When the Eagles visited the Giants in October, Barkley said that the longtime NFC East rivalry fueled him more than New York deciding to pay Jones instead of him. “I’m going to treat it the same [way] I always treat it,” Barkley told Fox Sports about playing the Giants. “I always have the mindset every game’s important, every game is special; you never know when your last one is going to be.”
Only 92 yards behind Barkley in the current race for the rushing title, Henry’s move to the Ravens has revitalized his career, aligning his powerful, physical running style with Baltimore’s gritty approach on the gridiron. After last year, the Tennessee Titans opted for a pass-heavy offense, making Henry, a longtime cornerstone of that franchise, expendable. While Henry has helped make the Ravens one of the top teams in the AFC, Tennessee has floundered to a 3-9 record in one of the weakest divisions in the NFL.
“This is where I knew I wanted to be,” Henry told the Ravens about his new opportunity. “I love the style, the physicality that they play with on all three phases. I feel like it fits my style of play as well and it was really a no-brainer trying to figure out the business side of things and I’m glad we were able to get it figured out.”
Jacobs also found the right spot to succeed. He led the NFL in rushing in 2022 but injuries hampered him last season and the Las Vegas Raiders decided to move on from him. While the Packers look headed for the playoffs, the Raiders rank as one of the worst teams in the NFL, struggling to a 2-10 record.
These players’ success isn’t just about football—it’s a credit to their adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to excellence despite setbacks. That’s something Jack Kelly, the founder and CEO of the Compliance Search Group and a fellow Forbes contributor, stresses since focusing on growth and reframing challenges can transform a professional transition into an opportunity. Whether in sports or the workplace, the right environment paired with the right mindset can unlock potential.
“Instead of feeling bad about yourself when things go awry, try to reframe your thoughts,” Kelly advised. “Think of all the positive things you have learned along your career journey rather than ruminating on what didn’t work.”
That lesson applies to college football as much as the professional ranks, especially with more players transferring between schools. With Ohio State refusing to commit to starting him, especially after failing to beat Michigan a year ago, quarterback Kyle McCord transferred to Syracuse where he’s done well. This past weekend, McCord led the Orangemen over the Miami Hurricanes in a major upset while Ohio State….once again flopped against Michigan.
As the three NFL running backs demonstrate their MVP worthiness, their stories inspire us to embrace change, recognize opportunities, and remain steadfast in pursuit of success, especially when you find the right organization. Jacobs can attest to that after leaving the Raiders to join the Packers, noting the striking differences between the two franchises. “We all know what being a Packer is,” he told ESPN over the summer. “You feel that throughout the building. You see it on a day-to-day basis.”