Saquon Barkley, Tiki Barber trade barbs over Giants departure،
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Saquon Barkley's impending signing with the Philadelphia Eagles doesn't appear to be going well in New York.
Former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber expressed his displeasure with Barkley on his daily WFAN radio show.
“He's dead to us now. He's dead to us. You're dead to us, Saquon,” Barber said with a smile and a chuckle upon hearing the news on the “Evan and Tiki” show. “Good luck. You're dead to me.”
Barkley responded to the clip about X and took aim at Barber, who told ESPN the comment was made ironically. The future Eagles running back didn't take it that way.
Barkley reposted the video with the comment: “lol yeah you are the best example of team loyalty…I got the deal I wanted, I got more from GMs who didn't have me been given before… so if fans want “I hate myself for this, so be it! But I never turned my back on my teammates and I always had theirs.”
He then wrote in a follow-up post: “@TikiBarber you've been a hater since I got to New York…and all the 'death to me' talk doesn't smile at me when you see me.”
@TikiBarber you've been a hater since I came to New York… and all the “death to me” speeches don't smile at me when you see me
– Saquon Barkley (@saquon) March 11, 2024
Barber played his entire 10-year career, from 1997 to 2006, with the Giants. The Eagles-Giants rivalry during this era was strong, leaving Barber with strong feelings toward the team and the city 90 miles to the south.
This recent drama between the Eagles' new running back and the Giants' retired running back will only spice up a rivalry that has remained stale in recent years. The Giants beat the Eagles in last season's finale to earn their first win over Philadelphia in six games.
Both Barber and Barkley had their moments with the Giants, even though they didn't win a championship. Barber, who is the Giants' all-time leading rusher, retired the season before winning his third Super Bowl in franchise history.
Barkley leaves New York ranked fourth on the franchise's all-time list, but with just one playoff victory under his belt.
Barkley, 27, agreed to a massive new deal with the rival Eagles after six seasons with the Giants. He received three years and $37.5 million, including $26 million fully guaranteed upon signing, sources told ESPN.
It's not like Barkley doesn't have a connection to Philadelphia. The move actually sends him home, even though he grew up a New York Jets fan.
Barkley grew up in the Lehigh Valley, an hour and a change from Philadelphia.
