Saquon Barkley took NFL records by storm in his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles. He has been nothing short of legendary, and now, he’s taking the Eagles to Super Bowl LIX. The star running back delivered a masterclass in the NFC Championship game, racking up 122 total yards and three touchdowns, including a 60-yard score on the Eagles’ opening drive.
This performance against the Washington Commanders (55-23) solidified Barkley as an MVP frontrunner, leaving New York Giants fans wondering what might have been.
Saquon Barkley’s Mother Tonya Johnson Throws Shade at Giants for Mistreating Son
The fallout from Barkley’s departure from the Giants continues to make headlines.
His mother, Tonya Johnson, didn’t hold back when raving about her son’s success in Philly compared to his struggles in New York: “You really want me to answer that? Everybody else knows why it didn’t happen.”
“It’s great for him to finally be somewhere where he was able to showcase his talent without people talking about this or that and hearing that running backs don’t deserve this or deserve that. Yeah, OK, now we see,” Johnson added, referencing the Giants’ reluctance to build around Barkley.
Saquon Barkley’s parents Alibay Barkley and Tonya Johnson #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/Cw3SskC4sr
— O.J. Spivey (@OJPhilly) January 27, 2025
Former Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant also called out the New York franchise, stating, “The Giants have got to be sick; I don’t care what anyone says. 😂”
The Giants have got to be sick; I don't care what anyone says. 😂
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) January 26, 2025
After six seasons with the Giants, Barkley signed a three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Eagles. The move followed years of financial and injury-related tensions in New York, where the franchise refused to give him the long-term contract he felt he deserved.
Giants GM Joe Schoen prioritized quarterback Daniel Jones with a $40 million deal, ultimately letting Barkley walk. Schoen’s and GM John Mara’s conversation about Barkley was shown in “HBO: Hard Knocks.”
Barkley’s impact in Philadelphia was instant. He led the league with 2,283 yards from scrimmage in the regular season and is just 30 rushing yards away from breaking Terrell Davis’ record for the most rushing yards in a single season (including playoffs). If Barkley helps the Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, his status as one of the NFL’s all-time best free agent acquisitions will be confirmed.
For Barkley, the move to Philadelphia wasn’t just about football — it was a fresh start. He now prepares for a Super Bowl appearance on his birthday. The 27-year-old running back is proving that the Giants’ decision to let him go may have been one of the biggest blunders in recent NFL history.