During his post-game interview on Sunday night, Saquon Barkley admitted that "six months ago, I couldn't stand" the Philadelphia Eagles.
At that time, he was still with the New York Giants. This was before he decided to enter free agency and eventually sign with the Eagles.
After Sunday's victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LIX, Barkley is now an NFL champion. However, the newly crowned 2024 AP Offensive Player of the Year hasn't forgotten where he came from.
Moments after winning his first Super Bowl, Barkley decided to send a heartfelt message to his former team.
"I'm forever grateful for everything that went on in New York," he said of his time with the Giants. "I got nothing but love for those guys, and hopefully they're super proud of me and see me in this moment.
"But the opportunity came to make a decision for me and my family, and me and my family felt like coming to Philadelphia, I'd be able to expand my legacy. I'll be able to show the world the type of player I am and I'll be able to compete for a championship."
"Six months ago, I couldn't stand this team."@saquon discusses what it's like to be a #SBLIX champ as a member of the @Eaglespic.twitter.com/JkJ2NGwXqe
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 10, 2025
Barkley, a former Penn State star, entered the league in 2018. The Giants used their second-overall pick on him, and their decision quickly paid dividends.
Barkley bagged the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year title in his debut campaign and was named as part of the Pro Bowl team.
However, throughout his time in New York, Barkley made it to the postseason just once. This was in 2022 when they lost to the Eagles in the Divisional Round, 38-7.
Barkley wasted no time reaching the top with the Eagles. In his first season in Philly, the 28-year-old (he celebrated his birthday on Sunday) won the Super Bowl.
"It sounds crazy at the time," he said of envisioning an NFL title. "You believe in it, but when it actually comes to life, you're still shocked. I'm just happy that I'm able to say I'm a world champ."
