Saquon Barkley was recenly named one of the Giants' captains for the 2019 season. And while he said it's awesome to gain the respect of his teammates, it doesn't change his responsibility heading into the season.

"That shows you how they feel about me -- especially being a young guy," Barkley told SNY's Ralph Vacchiano on Thursday. "It doesn't put any more pressure on me, I'm not gonna change. Like I said, I don't need a 'C' on my chest to be a leader on this team. Even though I have a 'C' on my chest, I'm not gonna try to go outside of myself."

After being drafted by the Giants at No. 2 overall last season as the team passed on taking a quarterback, there were many who believed Big Blue had made a mistake. Barkley then wen't on to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Still, the second-guessing continued.

"It was pretty much Rookie of the Year or bust, Barkley said. "And even when I won Rookie of the Year, people still try to say that I'm a bust or not a great pick or whatever. I don't really care about other people's expectations. I set my own expectations. I have my own standards. We have our own standards here as a team."

Barkley and the Giants kick off the 2019 season on Sunday in Dallas.

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