After a slow start to the season, Saquon Barkley is starting to show his 2024 form as the Philadelphia Eagles continue their march toward another Super Bowl run. But while the star running back has settled into his new role in Philadelphia, the tension between Eagles and Giants fans hasn’t cooled one bit, and now, even Barkley’s mother, Tonya, has entered the conversation.
Saquon Barkley’s Mother Makes Her Choice in Heated Eagles vs. Giants Debate
Barkley was drafted second overall by the New York Giants in 2018 and spent six seasons with the team. Despite the Giants’ struggles during that stretch, Barkley remained one of the league’s most consistent offensive weapons, putting up three 1,000+ yard rushing seasons.
When the Eagles signed him ahead of the 2024 season, it marked a huge shift both for his career and also for his family’s loyalties. Having now experienced both fanbases up close, his mother, Tonya, didn’t hesitate when asked which she prefers.
“I hate to say it, but I’m gonna say Philly, hands down,” Tonya admitted with a laugh.
When asked what makes the Eagles fanbase stand out, she shared a story that perfectly captured their passion.
“Y’all are crazy. We was on this side, and we came here for games when the Giants would play Eagles, and I’m like oh my gosh. I mean we was in the stadium one time, and he (her husband) had just a New York hat on and some guy walked past him and slapped his head.”
Tonya added with a smile, “But now we’re on this side, so I like where we’re at.”
Tonya also opened up about her son’s Super Bowl victory with the Eagles and how much it meant to their family, adding that it wasn’t just another career milestone for him.
“That was something on his bucket list,” Tonya said proudly. “All he ever talked about was, I want a Super Bowl ring. And he got it.”
Barkley delivered a career-defining season last year, leading the NFL in rushing with 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns on 345 carries. He also added 33 receptions for 278 yards and two receiving scores, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors, a Pro Bowl nod, and his first All-Pro selection.
This season, the star running back has continued to perform at a high level. Through eight weeks, he’s recorded 519 rushing yards and four touchdowns, along with 24 receptions for 159 yards and two scores through the air. Barkley currently ranks 31st in PFSN’s RB Impact metric with a C grade and a rating of 73.1.
