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Saquon Barkley’s MetLife return as a rival Eagle a complex minefield

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2 months ago

October 16, 2024

Saquon Barkley's MetLife return as a rival Eagle a complex minefield

When Saquon Barkley returns to MetLife Stadium on Sunday with the Philadelphia Eagles, he will face a hostile reception from Giants fans. His decision to sign with a rival team after the Giants did not offer him a contract has been seen as a betrayal by many. Former Giants great Carl Banks acknowledges that some fans will show their displeasure towards Barkley, despite his efforts and character.

Transitioning from one side of a New York rivalry to the other is not easy, as legacy athletes like Chad Pennington, Johnny Damon, Scott Gomez, and Carl Banks have experienced. Barkley was surprised by the backlash he received from New Yorkers after signing with the Eagles, but he remains focused on his new journey.

Similar to Damon’s move from the Red Sox to the Yankees, Barkley’s decision was based on believing in himself and his abilities. Despite the challenges and criticisms that come with such a move, Barkley is ready to face them head-on and prove his worth.

As Barkley prepares for his return to MetLife Stadium, he understands the scrutiny and emotions that will accompany his presence on the field. Just like Damon faced hostility from Red Sox fans upon joining the Yankees, Barkley knows that proving himself on the field will be the ultimate response to his critics.

“It was a great move for me, but I hated it for the fans of Boston.”

Getting to know his new fans in Miami was unexpected for Pennington, who had to learn phonics to avoid a football faux pas.

Cut by the Jets on the same day they traded for Brett Favre, Pennington found himself in Miami with a chance to compete in training camp.

Though starting 0-2, the Dolphins beat Favre’s Jets in a crucial game to win the AFC East title, a moment that changed the fans’ perspective on Pennington.

In contrast, Banks didn’t have a conversation with the Giants head coach before being cut and ended up in Washington for financial reasons, but he faced bitter rivals in the locker room.

Despite facing hostility from some fans, Banks believes hard feelings towards Barkley will eventually pass, just as they did for Tiki Barber.

Gomez, a Stanley Cup winner, faced icy responses from former Devils teammates after signing with the Rangers for financial reasons, despite the bond they shared as champions.

While some former teammates were upset with his decision, Gomez felt drawn to the opportunity to play for the Rangers in Madison Square Garden, a historic Original Six team.

Despite the potential for animosity, it would be surprising if the Giants locker room held any hostility towards Barkley, who expressed a desire to be a “Giant for life” and be immortalized in the franchise’s Ring of Honor. Kayvon Thibodeaux expressed his belief that Barkley, as the offensive focal point, deserved to be paid before quarterback Daniel Jones.

Gomez’s time with the Rangers only lasted two seasons, during which he faced boos from Devils fans every time he touched the puck in a playoff series in 2008. Despite the heckling, Gomez found honesty to be the best response when fans questioned why he left.

“The fans are the reason we play,” Gomez stated. “That’s what makes the tri-state area the best.”

Even years later, Gomez, who still frequents New York in retirement, is surprised that some Devils fans still hold a grudge. He has encountered comments like “You let me down” and “I still haven’t forgiven you.”

Reflecting on his decision, Gomez shared, “Looking back now, would I change it? No. It’s business. You can’t bash the fans. Maybe for Saquon Barkley, booing proves how much they really liked him. But let’s face it: I signed with the Rangers.”

Just as Gomez signed with the Rangers, Barkley signed with the Eagles.

[The article also includes an image captioned “Gomez’s move still has some Devils fans sore at him. Neil Miller”]