Saquon Barkley is continuing the tradition of top college running backs signing with Jay Z’s agency, as the Penn State star announced on Wednesday that he has inked a deal with Roc Nation Sports.
Barkley told ESPN’s Darren Rovell that he was approached by a number of agencies, but he felt most comfortable with Roc Nation and the vision they had for him outside of football.
“It was a really easy decision,” Barkley said. “A lot of people came around my way, but they were focused on me and they did a great job at selling my family on setting me up for life, bringing value outside of football. I felt like it was harder for other agencies to pitch that family feel when they were working with 30 or 40 guys.”
Roc Nation is relatively new to the sports agency world, having launched its sports division just five years ago. The agency has since built up an impressive client list, with Leonard Fournette joining Roc Nation last year and Todd Gurley the year before.
Barkley has a good chance to be the highest draft pick Roc Nation has ever represented. Gurley was drafted No. 10 overall by the Rams in 2015, and analysts have predicted that Barkley could go as high as No. 1 depending on what quarterbacks Josh Rosen and Sam Darnold decide to do.
Barkley said he was recently invited to Jay-Z’s home to talk business.
Saquon Barkley has signed with the agency ROC Nation Sports. Here he is with some other guy. pic.twitter.com/Z6xxK0jAQ9
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 3, 2018
“I’m obviously a big fan of his,” he said of the hip-hop mogul. “He is a wise man, has a lot of knowledge and gives good advice.”
Barkley rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons at Penn State. He also proved he can be an effective receiver, catching 54 passes for 632 yards in 2017. Barkley scored 59 total touchdowns in his career with the Nittany Lions.
Roc Nation was credited two years ago for helping one of the best wide receivers in football sign his first huge contract. Barkley should be in good hands.
