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“I Was a Jets Fan”: Saquon Barkley Reveals Real Dream New York Team After Becoming Giants’ Second Draft Pick

Published 03/27/2024, 2:45 PM EDT

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After a long tryst with his draft team, Saquon Barkley is set to start a new leg of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley was the first-round draft but has been in a long-time contract dispute with the team. While he was franchise-tagged last season, the New York Giants RB has finally moved on to his new home ahead of the upcoming season.

Whereas the Giants fans were already unhappy with the running back’s decision, his recent revelations might risk furthering their wrath. In a recent conversation with the retired Eagles star Jason Kelce on the New Heights podcast, Barkley talked about his childhood dream team. While his favorite team is still from the Empire City, it’s not the same as his previous team!

Saquon Barkley gets his love for the Jets from his father

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Talked about his switch, Barkley confessed that he never expected to be a part of the Philadelphia crew. However, with his family roots in Pennsylvania, the RB shared that he was glad to be closer to home. Discovering his PA connection, an excited Kelce asked if Barkley was a fan of the “birds,” but the former Giants star replied in negative.

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Barkley further revealed the team he was a die-hard fan of since his childhood, which happens to be the famous rivals of his former home, the New York Jets. Being born in the Bronx, the New Yorker shared that he “was a Jets fan growing up.” Barkley gets the Jets’ love from his father, who also has a tattoo of the team on his forearm. “I was born in New York; I was born in Bronx. My dad got a Jets tattoo like right here” – he quips.

With his recent signing with Philadelphia, one thing is for sure: there would be no more conflicting interests in the Barkley household! While Barkley couldn’t play for his favorite team, the running back takes solace, having played in the stadium he admired as a kid with his father.

Barkley achieved his MetLife Stadium dream in an unexpected way!

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Before being drafted by the Giants, Barkley shared the passion for the Jets with his father. While Alibay has been a proud father, his passion for the Jets remained unwavering even when his son was playing in opposition!

Barkley recalled the time from his childhood when the two would drive to the city and look at the MetLife Stadium, hoping to be a part of the legacy someday. However, fate works in mysterious ways. While Barkley fulfilled his wish to play in the stadium, it wasn’t for the Jets, but for their rivals, the Giants. The two home teams share the MetLife Stadium.

Me and my dad would drive, and if I was sleeping, say we going for PA to New York, my dad would always wake me up, or I would always look at the stadium. The stadium, before it was my life and be like, “Imma play in that stadium,” “ shared Barkley.

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While Barkley became the second overall pick by the Giants, narrowly missing out on joining his dream team, who had the third pick, he doesn’t have any regrets. The now-Eagles running back remains proud of achieving his childhood dream of playing in the MetLife Stadium.

Read This: Saquon Barkley’s “NFL Is a Business” Comment Leaves Giants Fans Divided Following Eagles Switch: “Ur a Villain Here”

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Written by:

Sneha Singh

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Sneha Singh is an NFL beat writer at EssentiallySports in the NFL division. She brings immense experience and creativity to the team, courtesy of her line of work as a writing head and web content writer at esteemed organizations. Having developed a liking for the game of touchdowns and tackles since a young age, Sneha harbors prowess over covering in-depth live coverages and off-field fan action.
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Edited by:

Himanshu Sridhar