Former New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley met the media on Thursday, his first public appearance as a member of the rival Philadelphia Eagles.
Barkley finalized a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the Eagles earlier in the week after the Giants did not bother to float either an offer or a counteroffer in his direction.
The former No. 2 overall pick out of Penn State back in 2018, had some words to the loyal fans back up the Turnpike in Northern New Jersey and New York.
Saquon Barkley addresses Giants fans:
“I got nothing but love and respect. I don’t think I handled it the right way on social media, I could’ve given a proper goodbye…I’m forever grateful for the Giants fans.” pic.twitter.com/V1XI5QeQTL
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) March 14, 2024
“The Giants fans that were hurt by me leaving, I got nothing but love and respect for all those guys and all those ladies,” said Barkley. “For the last six years they’ve been great to me and my family, created so many memories.”
Barkley’s departure was met with mixed feelings on both ends. Giant fans and pundits were all over social media with varied opinions while Barkley is calling for a do-over.
“I don’t think I really handled it the right way on social media. I think I could’ve gave a proper goodbye. Once I announced, things kind of got hectic,” Barkley said. “I’m forever grateful for Giants fans, but unfortunately, the NFL is a business. I was fortunate to come to a place I know I can compete and I can win and I can stay close to home.”
After his presser, Barkley released a statement on social media.
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) March 15, 2024
Barkley joins an Eagles team that has dominated the Giants in recent years and now gets a chance to pile on as an opponent.
“We’ve been on the worse side of the rivalry, I guess you could say, for the past couple years,” Barkley said.
No kidding. Since Barkley became a Giant in 2018, the Eagles have won 10 of 13 against the Giants (including playoffs) and are 7-2 in the nine games the oft-injured Barkley played in.
