Getty Image / Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley spent six seasons as the face of the franchise for the New York Giants. The second-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft laid it all on the line for some pretty poor Giants teams from 2018-2023.
On Sunday, Barkley made his return to MetLife Stadium to play against his old team, now as a superstar member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley had a huge day, and he claimed he was motivated by the hatred showed to him by Giants fans outside the stadium.
Barkley, who was franchise tagged by the Giants following the 2022 season after the two sides couldn’t come to a deal, hit the open market last offseason and left the Giants for the NFC East rival Eagles on a three-year deal. He was off to a great start this year heading into the Week 7 matchup against the Eagles.
Saquon Barkley continued his hot start to the season, rushing for 176 yards and a touchdown on just 17 carries. It was the second-most yards in NFL against a former team He was simply unstoppable and reminded Giants brass what they’re missing out on.
After the game, Saquon Barkley had this to say when asked about fans outside the stadium that were burning his jersey.
Saquon Barkley saw fans burning his jersey in the MetLife Stadium parking lot while he walked in today
"In that moment, I was ready for 3rd and 1 – let's just say that" pic.twitter.com/PS1rikH7vL
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) October 20, 2024
Yeah, I can see how that could be pretty motivating. I wonder how the Giants fans felt that burnt his jersey after Saquon Barkley ran all over them.
The two teams will play in Philadelphia in Week 18.