SAO PAULO – Running back Saquon Barkley scored three touchdowns in his debut for the Philadelphia Eagles, helping his new team to a 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Friday.

A member of the Brazilian media later told Barkley that this was a “hat trick” in football parlance.

Barkley finished the game with 109 rushing yards, becoming only the second player in franchise history to score three touchdowns in his first game, joining Terrell Owens in 2004.

“He played a heck of a game tonight,” quarterback Jalen Hurts said. “It’s exciting to watch him play. I’m glad he’s on our side. We’re just going to keep pushing forward. But what a debut for him.”

Barkley gave the Eagles the lead early in the second quarter when he caught an 18-yard pass from Hurts in the left corner of the end zone.

“I’m the first person to ever score a goal in South America,” Barkley said. “That’s cool.”

“From the first catch, he was just a total hit,” said offensive tackle Lane Johnson. “Every time he scored, I went chasing him and tried to celebrate with him.”

Johnson had two more opportunities as Barkley scored two more rushing scores.

That was the impression management was hoping for when they signed him as a free agent to a three-year, $37.75 million contract.

Barkley had months to imagine what it would be like to play behind that offensive line and alongside playmakers like Hurts, AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert. What he envisioned was “kind of similar, you could say.”

“I think it’s so special that of all the talented guys on our team – and today was maybe my most touchdown day – there was never any hate, none of that,” Barkley said. “It was like, ‘Go on, make it four.’ That’s what you need on a team like this with so many stars. That’s how it’s going to continue next season.”