Giants fans send strong message to Saquon Barkley
Sep 5, 2024; Sao Paolo, Brazil; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley at press conference at the Neo Química Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Saquon Barkley must have been quite surprised with the reception he received on Sunday in his return to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Barkley, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, said earlier in the week that he did not expect New York Giants fans to boo him when he faced his former team. Though, Barkley did admit that he was not anticipating a “great reaction.”
Barkley was wrong. He was met with a very loud chorus of boos when he took his first handoff early in the first quarter:
Saquon Barkley's first carry back in Metlife pic.twitter.com/qmutQBSNBB
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) October 20, 2024
Barkley also downplayed the revenge factor leading up to Sunday’s game, saying the rivalry between the Giants and Eagles existed long before he played in the NFL and will be there long after he is gone. He certainly looked like he had an extra spring in his step when he steamrolled a defender early in the game, however.
Saquon
FOX pic.twitter.com/PUvKEYSpKF
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 20, 2024
The Eagles gave Barkley a 3-year, $37.75 million contract. Barkley said all along that he would have preferred to remain in New York, but it seemed clear that the Giants did not want to give him a big contract.
If Giants fans are frustrated that Barkley is no longer with the team, they should probably take that out on ownership. Still, the boos were a remainder that Barkley is very much an enemy now in New York.
