There have been a lot of hot takes on running back Saquon Barkley’s decision to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles after six years with the New York Giants. But for Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders, it’s a situation he understands.
Taking to X on Tuesday, the Detroit Lions legend congratulated Barkley on signing his deal with the Eagles and said he’s looking forward to seeing what he does. He said that “life has funny turns” in regards to his decision to leave the Giants but believes his “character” will help him overcome adversity.
“Congrats to @saquon – I know you wanted to stay with one team, but life has funny turns. No matter what, the character you have as a young man will carry you thru all you face. Can wait to see you run that rock,” Sanders wrote.
Barkley reportedly agreed to a $38 million contract with the Eagles yesterday, ending his time with the Giants and prompting some prominent New York media figures to promptly “disown” him for joining their hated rivals.
Barkley has clapped back at former Giants running back Tiki Barber for saying that he was “dead to him” – a sentiment likely shared by a good number of Giants fans.
Suffice it to say, Barkley will be met by a chorus of boos when he returns to MetLife Stadium this coming season.
But he made a business decision and it’s one that Barry Sanders certainly agrees with, even if he finds it a little unfortunate.