Saquon Barkley has weighed in on Jared Verse’s controversial comments about Philadelphia Eagles fans ahead of Sunday’s NFC Divisional Round playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Los Angeles Rams edge rusher, who has sparked a firestorm with his remarks, said he “hates Eagles fans” and has a physical reaction to seeing their team colors.
“Probably not the smartest thing to say when you’re coming to Philadelphia,” Barkley said Friday. “I’ve been on the other side [as a member of the New York Giants] and even if I felt some type of way, I probably wouldn’t give them any extra fuel. I’m pretty sure Philly fans have seen that comment. It was already going to be loud and rocking so it’s just only going to add to it.”
Verse, a rookie edge rusher for the Rams, expressed his disdain for Eagles fans in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, calling them “annoying” and saying that just seeing the team’s green and white colors made him “get hot.” His comments quickly gained attention, especially after he revealed that during the Rams’ Week 12 matchup with the Eagles at SoFi Stadium, fans shouted obscenities at him.
Verse’s words, especially considering his high school roots in Pennsylvania—about 100 miles from Philadelphia—seem to have added more fuel to the fire. Given the passionate reputation of Eagles fans, Barkley, who has experienced the fervor of Philadelphia supporters during his time with the New York Giants, understands Verse’s words might have repercussions on the game’s atmosphere.
Eagles cornerback Darius Slay echoed Barkley’s sentiments, saying, “He ain’t the first person to hate Eagles fans. There’s a lot of folks who don’t like Eagles fans. There’s some people that played for the Eagles that don’t like Eagles fans. That just comes with the sport.”
Slay added that the Eagles’ fans are fired up no matter the situation, and the snowy forecast for the game could make the atmosphere even more intense. “If there’s snow out there, I won’t be surprised if snowballs get thrown on the sideline,” Slay joked.
As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for their playoff clash with the Los Angeles Rams, all eyes will be on the intensity of the atmosphere and whether Jared Verse’s words will amplify the already high stakes of the game. Snow or no snow, it’s clear that the energy in Philadelphia is ready to erupt, and it won’t be the first time that an opposing player has sparked a fierce response from the city’s notorious fans.
