Saquon Barkley is entering his eighth NFL season with one shiny new label: Super Bowl champion. But while the Eagles gear up for another Lombardi chase, Barkley has been busy reflecting on a different kind of victory, the one involving his bank account.

“Success is not an accident,” Barkley told Boardroom. And he’s not just talking about juking linebackers. Over the years, Saquon has built an all-star off-the-field team to help him navigate financial decisions, a game plan that’s kept him steady through the unpredictable world of money management.

Back in 2021, Barkley made headlines when he announced he’d take his endorsement earnings in Bitcoin, joining a wave of pro athletes turning to crypto to build generational wealth. “Crypto creates financial freedom and a sense of ownership,” he said. But, as with learning an NFL playbook, there’s been a steep learning curve. “It’s about educating myself on money and that’s been super important for me.”

That education hasn’t been without its bumps. “I panicked the first time,” Barkley admitted about crypto’s infamous volatility. “But you can’t panic. You’ve got to be in it for the long run.” Now, he treats crypto like a season-long grind, ignore the noise, trust the plan, and keep your eyes on the bigger picture.

While Barkley’s crypto plays have been lucrative, he’s quick to credit the financial team behind him for providing guidance. But he’s also aware that not everyone, especially younger players, has access to that kind of advice. In a league filled with young Black men, many of whom are the first in their families to face major financial decisions, Barkley sees himself as a mentor.

“Inspire the next generation,” he said, emphasizing the need for open conversations about money. There’s no single playbook for success, but he believes smart financial habits can be just as game-changing as a 60-yard touchdown run.

So while Barkley may spend Sundays breaking tackles, his offseason is all about breaking cycles, proving that building wealth, like winning championships, comes from preparation, patience, and surrounding yourself with the right team.