Saquon Barkley has heard and seen some of the criticism over his decision to leave the New York Giants in favor of the Philadelphia Eagles, but that hasn’t changed how he views Big Blue fans.
As Barkley prepares to lead the Eagles into Super Bowl LIX, he can’t help but reflect on his time in East Rutherford and all that the fans meant to him.
“My message to Giants fans would be there is nothing but love,” Barkley said earlier this week, via The Athletic. “I’d be naive to think they weren’t supportive of me over the last six years.
“Obviously, a few of them were disappointed with my decision but the way I look at it, all the things that happened over there and the love I have for them is the reason I am able to have the success I am having now. Just thankful for all those people over there.”
Barkley spent the first six seasons of his professional career with the Giants but was unable to come to an agreement on a long-term contract. He negotiated for two years with general manager Joe Schoen but in the end, the Giants GM let him walk over roughly $2 million.
Landing in Philly has served Barkley well but was a nightmare realized for Giants co-owner John Mara. However, he remains on good terms with team ownership and many of his former teammates, most of whom are rooting for him to pick up a Super Bowl title this coming Sunday.
Giants fans are a bit more split on that.
