Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was heavily booed by the New York Giants fans as he made his anticipated return to MetLife Stadium.
Back in the offseason, Barkley signed a three-year deal worth $37.75 million to join the Eagles. He earned NFC Player of the Week honors in Week 1 after starring with three total touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers and has enjoyed a fine start to life in Philadelphia on an individual basis.
The 3-2 Eagles have enjoyed a rollercoaster start to the 2024 NFL season, but Barkley has impressed even if he has slowed down in recent weeks. In Week 7, the Eagles traveled to face their NFC East rivals in New York – and the running back was showered with boos while fans even burned his jersey outside MetLife Stadium.
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The negative fan reaction must have confused Barkley, who hoped for a lighter welcome. He told ESPN before the game: “I don’t expect a great reaction. I don’t expect to be booed. I look at it like this: The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Football Giants probably played in over 200 games. This rivalry was there before me, and it’s going to be there after me.”
He added: “Maybe I’m naive, but I think it’s over. That chapter’s closed. I truly don’t care no more, and I’m pretty sure fans don’t care no more.”
Ultimately, Giants fans do care. Barkley was once touted by Giants owner John Mara as the franchise’s most popular player, and now he suits up in Kelly Green for their bitter rivals. Furious fans burned his jersey in protest before the game began, and on his first carry, Barkley was heavily booed – but his gain of a single yard before being forced back by Dexter Lawrence led to rapturous cheers.
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His departure ended a six-year run with the Giants, who selected the running back second overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. Barkley often found himself behind porous offensive lines, while he struggled with numerous injuries but still tallied 2,892 yards and scored 20 touchdowns over his final two years in New York.
Despite his form, the Giants opted not to franchise tag Barkley, and he hit the free agent market for the first time in his career. The 27-year-old former Penn State stud opted to return to Pennsylvania with the Eagles.
In the Week 6 win over the Cleveland Browns, Barkley was held to a season-low of 47 rushing yards and just 2.6 yards per carry. The Giants defense will hope to inflict similar frustration as Barkley makes his return.
“Sunday is war,” Giants defensive lineman Lawrence said. “He knows that.”
Lawrence addressed the fan reception of Barkley too, adding: “No telling [what they’ll do]. Honestly, I think he did a lot of good for this organization, but we’ve got some tough fans and they’re going to bring him in however they feel is right by them.”
