Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had high praise for the New York Giants as he prepared for his first Super Bowl appearance on Sunday night.
The Eagles are set to face the reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in New Orleans in a rematch of Super Bowl LVII.
Barkley began his NFL journey with the Giants in 2018 after being selected second overall in the draft. Despite playing a crucial role in their offense, the team’s chances of making a deep postseason run remained slim, even as four-time Super Bowl champions.
Last March, Barkley opted to join the Eagles, a division rival, signing a three-year contract worth $37.75 million—a decision that didn’t sit well with Giants fans.
Since arriving in Philadelphia, Barkley has been outstanding, amassing 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, along with 278 receiving yards and two touchdowns during the regular season.
His dominance continued in the playoffs, where he added 442 rushing yards and five more touchdowns to his resume.
At Super Bowl Opening Night on Monday in New Orleans, Barkley acknowledged the foundation the Giants provided, which helped him elevate his performance with the Eagles and reach the biggest stage in the NFL.
“My message to Giants fans is that it’s all love,” Barkley said.
“I’d be naïve to think they weren’t supportive over the past six years. Some were disappointed by my decision, but at the end of the day, everything that happened there, and the love I have for them, played a role in my success today. I’m just grateful for everyone there.”
This marked a significant shift in tone from Barkley regarding his time with the Giants.
Back in July, during an interview on The Athletic’s Scoop City podcast, he expressed frustration with the way general manager Joe Schoen handled his situation, calling it “a slap in the face” and admitting he was “fed up.”
Whether Barkley’s latest remarks reflect his true feelings remains uncertain, but if he manages to win a Super Bowl in his first season with the Eagles, his controversial departure from New York might just prove to be a stroke of genius.
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One of the biggest sporting events has arrived—Super Bowl LIX—as the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles face off once again in a rematch of the 2023 NFL championship game.
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