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Former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber made headlines this week with his reaction to Saquon Barkley’s departure from the Big Apple. With Barkley now headed to NFC East rival Philadelphia, Barber was heard saying, “You’re dead to me.”
Barber, a 10-year vet with the G-men, couldn’t fathom the idea of a New York star wanting to play for a hated division foe.
That response landed an immediate reply from Barkley, himself, who said, “You’ve been a hater since I got to New York… and all the ‘Dead to me’ talk, don’t smile in my face when you see me.”
Here’s Barber’s full reaction to that Saquon Barkley deal on WFAN radio:
“He’s dead to us [Giants fans] now. You’re dead to us, Saquon. Good luck, you’re dead to me.”
Strong words, though he likely didn’t mean them quite as literally as many of his listeners took them. And now, the attention surrounding that statement is continuing to grow.
NFL players are sarcastically requoting Tiki Barber as former teammates leave for new squads in free agency. It’s become a trend!
Lamar Jackson hilariously recited the “Dead to me” quip in response to Patrick Queen leaving the Ravens for AFC North rival Pittsburgh.
@Patrickqueen_ You’re Dead to us, Queen. Good luck, You’re Dead to me. https://t.co/JHb1KFX2qS pic.twitter.com/pP7hKT9MO1
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 12, 2024
Queen signed a three-year, $41 million deal with the Steelers.
Tyreek Hill also used the quote upon hearing of Robert Hunt’s departure from Miami, as the offensive lineman packs his bags for Carolina having recently signed a massive five-year deal worth $100 million.
Your dead to us , good luck but your dead to me 🫣 https://t.co/rVcDTCfxIb
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) March 12, 2024
It’s a thing!
Tiki Barber likely didn’t expect his words to have this big an impact around the NFL, but they’ve apparently left a mark with players. We’ll see if the trend continues as free agency moves along.