Losing a fan-favorite player like Saquon Barkley is never easy, but it’s even more difficult to lose him to a division rival. And New York Giants team owner John Mara was clearly feeling that pain when Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason.
During the most recent episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks, New York Giants team owner John Mara did not hold back as he opened up about just how difficult it was going to be if Saquon Barkley ultimately signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after leaving the Giants, saying he would “have a tough time sleeping” if that happened since Barkley was such a popular player in New York.
“I’ll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia, I’ll tell you that,” Mara said, as shown on Hard Knocks, according to Pro Football Talk. “As I’ve told you, I’ve been around enough players, but he’s the most popular player we have, by far.”
Obviously, that’s exactly what happened. It’s a pretty terrible situation for the Giants to not only lose a guy who made a big difference on the field but also to lose a fan-favorite player. Mara’s words show just how concerned the team was about this situation, and it led to a lot of reactions on social media.
Had multiple years to sign him too but I get it.
— Bryan (@BGauvin23) July 17, 2024
Yeah, it’s a real shame the @Giants owner doesn’t have any power or leverage to sign the player he says he wants 🤣🤣#ClownShowOrg
— Sir Sgt. Stedenko 🔺 (@YodaFett_007) July 17, 2024
The giants should have signed Saquon last year to a long term deal and gave Daniel jones the Tag , the GM of the giants needs to be fired immediately
— The Truth Hurtz (@RiversTim6197) July 17, 2024
The giants should have signed Saquon last year to a long term deal and gave Daniel jones the Tag , the GM of the giants needs to be fired immediately
— The Truth Hurtz (@RiversTim6197) July 17, 2024
Haha somehow I’m sure Mara is fine sleeping on his wallet
— Sports Guy (@smsportsguy) July 17, 2024
Nice control of YOUR billion dollar company Stan…
— Bobby Strike (@bobbystrike6) July 17, 2024
Now, the Giants will have to face off against Barkley twice a season.
