One of the first big moves of the 2024 NFL offseason was when Saquon Barkley left the New York Giants to head to the Philadelphia Eagles. As you can imagine, the response of Giants fans has been that of disappointment.
After all, not only did Barkley leave their favorite team, but he left them for arguably the Giants’ biggest rival in the Eagles. Fans have taken to social media and called into radio talk shows voicing their displeasure.
Barkley spoke on the topic on Thursday, and he even acknowledged what he could have done differently.
Saquon Barkley Apologizes to Giants Fans, Says He Could Have Handled It Differently
When asked about what he would say to the Giants fans, Barkley said he has nothing but love for them.
“I got nothing but love and respect,” Barkley said. “For the last six years, they have been so great to me and my family, and we created so many memories. 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.”
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
Barkley was the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NFL draft by the Giants and played his first six seasons in New York. He battled injuries during his time with the team but rushed for at least 1,000 yards in three of those seasons.
In 2022, he had 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he finished his Giants career with 5,211 rushing yards, 2,100 receiving yards, and 47 total touchdowns.
Barkley Goes Returns to the State Where He Starred in College
One of the biggest factors in Barkley’s decision to join the Eagles was that the move would allow him to remain close to his family. Barkley became a household name in football circles as a collegiate star at Penn State.
During his three years there, he rushed for 3,843 yards and 43 touchdowns. In his press conference, he told reporters it was important to him that he went to a spot that allowed him to remain close to family.
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For Giants fans, they will still get to see Barkley in action, as the two NFC East teams play twice a year. While Barkley was saying the right things on Thursday, when the two teams face off in New York, look for him to not get the warmest of welcomes.
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