Saquon Barkley grew up surrounded by boxers. His father, Alibay Barkley, and uncle, Iran Barkley, were both prominent in the sport when Barkley was a child.

It’s not surprise that boxing had a huge role in Barkley’s life and training. But there’s also something a little funny about the star running back’s training. That is, he was required to put on gloves and fight random kids in the street.

His father made him do it.

In a recent interview with Campus Lore, Barkley talked about the role boxing played in his life and how it affected his development as a football player.

“I did a little boxing growing up,” Barkley said. “My dad actually used to just take me to the street, and put gloves on, and make me fight random good. For whatever reason, I don’t know.

“Boxing does play a big part of how I am as an athlete and my passion and my drive, but if football didn’t work out for me, I probably would have done boxing. I don’t like getting hit though, so I don’t think our careers right there would have worked. That’s why I play running back, the whole objective of being running back is to score touchdowns and get away.”

Barkley has proven to be excellent at getting away and scoring touchdowns. While at Penn State, he was known for his explosive bursts of speed and his ability to plow over defenders.

In his first game in the NFL, Barkley housed a 68-yard run for the New York Giants after breaking a few tackles.

Knowing how athletic and skilled Barkley is, he probably would’ve been just fine in the boxing ring. But, as football fans, we’re sure glad this sport worked out for him.