The commercial in question alludes to New York Giants co-owner John Mara’s appearance in Episode 3 of “Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants.” This episode has become infamous with Giants fans around the world and, for obvious reasons, has become quite legendary for Philadelphia Eagles fans.
During the episode it was made clear that Mara did not want to lose Barkley in free agency. He specifically did not want to lose him to the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles. Mara admitted Barkley was a fan favorite and commiserated over the idea of him wearing the green and white.
John Mara’s Funny Quip About Saquon Barkley Commercial
“I’ll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia,” Mara said in Episode 3.
General manager Joe Schoen assured Mara the Eagles were not in the running, but it was the Chicago Bears who were driving the price up. However, that proved to be incorrect.
Shortly after the episode was filmed, Barkley said goodbye to the Giants and signed a three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Eagles. It was Mara’s worst nightmare and now Barkley seems to be pouring salt on an open wound.
In the new commercial, Barkley appears to mock the Giants and Mara as he finished his route to over 2,000 rushing yards in Week 17 vs. the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles rested Barkley and starters in the season finale against Mara’s Giants, so the timing from Barkley is impeccable.
saquon really released an ad trolling the giants and john mara from the “im gonna have trouble sleeping” clip 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/dKrOVLn9nq
— 11-1 WITH BALD SIRIANNI (@sixersruinedme) January 2, 2025
“I heard some of you were having trouble sleeping, so I wrote you a lullaby,” Barkley said. “Rockabye baby awake in your bed as the thought of 2,000 swirls in your head. It sure is tough to lose sleep over football; not for me, though. Goodnight to you all. Still can’t sleep? Try counting sheep.”
The commercial came at a horrible time if you were Giants GM Joe Schoen, though he survived Black Monday. Schoen still has a job with the team, as Mara announced that both he and head coach Brian Daboll would return next season in their roles.
Mara clearly had some time to poke the bear right back after seeing Saquon’s latest commercial. Prior to the Giants’ matchup against the NFC East champion Eagles, Mara picked up the phone.
Mara said to Barkley: “The least you could have done is ask me to be in it (commercial)! I could have been tossing and turning… would have been great! There is an acting gene in my family you know, it’s not just my neices!”
At least the Giants owner has a good sense of humor about the whole situation and is able to make fun of himself in what is an unavoidably embarrassing situation that has played out.
A good night’s sleep would definitely help. The Giants have plenty of time for rest, while Barkley and the Eagles have some work to do.