Ottis Anderson on what Saquon Barkley can learn from Wayne Gallman

New York Giants Super Bowl XXV MVP Ottis Anderson made an unbelievable transition during his storied NFL career. He went from an elusive All-Pro home-run hitting running back at the beginning of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals to uppercutting power back perfect for the Bill Parcells Giants at the end of it.

This, it was interesting on Wednesday to hear Anderson, a guest on the ‘Valentine’s Views’ podcast, talk about what young, home-run hitting running back Saquon Barkley can learn from Wayne Gallman, who replaced him this season after Barkley’s unfortunate torn ACL.

Anderson has always been a Gallman fan.

“When I met Wayne and found out that he was from Clemson and they had won the national championship and he was the featured running back, I was like ‘wow, so you’re that kid,’ “ Anderson said.

“I always talked to him and I said listen, you’re a play away from being on the field you’ve just got to always be ready, when your time comes to shine you’ve gotta do it. You’ve gotta make people remember that you are in this league for a reason, and that given an opportunity you can carry the load. When he had that opportunity he showed what he can do.”

Gallman is headed to free agency.

“I’ve said for a long time the Giants should never get rid of that kid,” Anderson said. “I’m glad they kept him around because he’s very valuable and I love what he’s done. He’s a one-cut and take what you give. He’s not trying to hit the home run every time he gets the ball in his hands. That’s the difference between him and Barkley.”

During his first couple of seasons in the league Barkley has sometimes been criticized for trying to turn every play into a home run, sometimes resulting in turning what should have been a short gain into a negative play.

“When I was a rookie and I came into the league every play that I touched the ball I thought I could go the distance. Yeah, I was successful my first year (1,605 yards rushing, named an All-Pro), but the next year after that when people realized I was no longer a surprise it took me a long time to understand.

What happens is when you have success making big plays out of nothing and you get to the point where every play you think you can go the distance, every play you try and you forget down and distance, you forget situations, all you want to do is make that big run. You have to learn that every play is not a big run but if you keep taking those 2 and 3-yard plays that big play will come.

‘it just comes from him growing up, him understanding.”

Anderson said the Giants should “sit down and show him Wayne. Show him films of Wayne ... look at what Wayne did. Wayne took what the defense gave him and he didn’t try to get those home runs every time he touched the football, but you saw them come.”

Anderson also touched on a variety of other topics.

• Anderson said “you just don’t know” when asked what kind of player Barkley will be post-knee surgery.
• He told a great story about hanging up on Bill Parcells when the Giants coach called him to discuss his trade to the Giants. Anderson thought he was being pranked.
• He elaborated on the sound Mark Kelso of the Bills, victim of that Super Bowl uppercut from Anderson, made when the blow was delivered.
• Anderson told us why he is optimistic the Giants are finally back on the right path.
• Anderson also offered his Super bowl LV prediction.

NOTE: Anderson was available via his work with Novo Nordisk, which encourages everybody to know the signs of type 2 diabetes and obesity and to speak to their doctor if they may be experiencing symptoms.. For more information on obesity, how it can impact other health issues, and additional helpful resources, visit huddleupobesity.com.

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