Philadelphia Eagles

Saquon Barkley Responds to Jared Verse’s Pregame Comments

Published

2 months ago

January 18, 2025

As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday’s Divisional Round at Lincoln Financial Field, an unexpected subplot has emerged.

Rams linebacker Jared Verse, a Pennsylvania native, didn’t hold back in expressing his disdain for the Eagles and their passionate fan base.

“I hate Eagles fans,” Verse told the Los Angeles Times. “They’re so annoying. I didn’t even do nothing to ’em. It was my first time playing. Oh, I hate Eagles fans. … When I see that green and white, I hate it. I actually get upset. Like I genuinely get hot.”

Verse’s comments have added fuel to an already intense matchup, and Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had some pointed advice for the rookie.

“Probably not the smartest thing to say when you’re coming to Philadelphia,” Barkley said on Friday. “I’ve been on the other side, and even if I felt some type of way, I probably wouldn’t give them any extra fuel. Pretty sure Philly fans have seen that comment. It was already going to be loud and rocking, so [this is] only going to add to it.”

“Probably not the smartest thing to say coming to Philadelphia…Probably wouldn’t give them extra fuel”

— Saquon Barkley on Jared Verse saying he hates Philly fans pic.twitter.com/lR4fKZHdSv
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) January 17, 2025

Previous Matchup

When these two NFC teams faced off in Week 12, the Eagles secured a dominant 37–20 victory in Los Angeles. Barkley was unstoppable in that game, rushing for 255 yards on 26 carries and adding 47 receiving yards. Meanwhile, Verse tied his career high with seven tackles, but the Rams struggled to contain Philadelphia’s high-powered offense.

Sunday’s High-Stakes Rematch

Kickoff for Sunday’s game is set for 3 p.m. ET, with snowy conditions expected to add another layer of drama. The Eagles, a 6.5-point favorite according to ESPN BET, will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage and an energized crowd. Verse’s comments are sure to amplify the intensity, as Philadelphia fans are known for their passionate and unforgiving support.

For Barkley and the Eagles, the focus remains on executing their game plan, but the added motivation from Verse’s remarks could give the team and its fans an extra edge.