Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Eagles' Saquon Barkley speaks out ahead of clash vs. Giants

By Austen Bundy | Last updated 10/16/24

Sunday's Week 7 matchup between the rival Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants will be closely watched for the much-anticipated return of running back Saquon Barkley to his former home.

The former Giants rusher spoke to reporters Wednesday (via NBC Sports Philadelphia) ahead of the divisional clash.

"I don't have to prove anything to them. Whether I have 300 yards or 10 yards, as long as we win...I don't have that big of pride or ego. There's no hate over there."

Saquon Barkley talks about playing the Giants for the first time: pic.twitter.com/d8qnwmH6FA
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) October 16, 2024

"I don't have to prove anything to them. Whether I have 300 yards or 10 yards, as long as we win," Barkley said of his return to MetLife Stadium. "I don't have that big of pride or ego. There's no hate over there."

Barkley, who sits fourth on New York's all-time rushing leaders list, said he doesn't anticipate being booed or receiving any hate from his former fans when he steps out on the field.

"Maybe I'm naive, but I think it's over," Barkley told ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "That chapter's closed. I truly don't care no more, and I'm pretty sure fans don't care no more."

"This rivalry is so much bigger than what happened in the offseason between me and the Giants"

Saquon Barkley on how he expects to be received by the MetLife Stadium crowd on Sunday: pic.twitter.com/GkHG4pB3fB
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) October 16, 2024

"This rivalry is so much bigger than what happened in the offseason between me and the Giants or 'Hard Knocks,'" Barkley said. "This been going on for a very long time, I've been on the other side, I know how Giants fans feel ... I don't know what the environment is going to feel like but I'm excited as a player, as a competitor."

Barkley has tallied 482 yards and four touchdowns with Philadelphia so far this season and will be going up against a New York defense that ranks 10th overall and 15th against the run.

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