John Mara, the owner of the New York Giants, expressed his sentiments regarding Saquon Barkley's decision to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles. Mara mentioned that he had reached out to Barkley via text on the day the running back decided to join the Eagles, describing their exchange as complimentary. He admitted that it would be painful to see Barkley play in the same division but acknowledged the inevitability of such moves in the NFL. Mara also noted that discussions about Barkley's potential departure had been ongoing throughout the year, indicating that he had hoped it wouldn't come to this. Additionally, Mara shared his interactions with Xavier McKinney, another player who agreed to terms with the Green Bay Packers, highlighting his efforts to maintain good relations with players exiting the team. Mara's reaction to Barkley's departure was characterized by a strong emotional response, as he told Barkley he felt 'sick' over his exit and defended Barkley against critics of his decision to sign with the Eagles. Mara said they exchanged texts, called Barkley a class act, and also reached out to McKinney, who called Mara right back.
John Mara said he felt “sick” seeing Saquon Barkley leave the Giants. He has a message for those ripping Barkley for signing with the Eagles: “People that are criticizing him for doing that to me are way off base.” https://t.co/quyhm61ute
Giants owner John Mara told Saquon Barkley his decision to choose Eagles made him 'sick' https://t.co/t788BA3RJV
John Mara told Saquon Barkley he was ‘sick’ over his Giants exit https://t.co/Bt2pogt5Va https://t.co/FUnvdoKA6d
#NYGiants owner John Mara says he exchanged texts with Saquon Barkley when he agreed to sign with Eagles, called Barkley a class act. Also, Mara made sure to bring up Xavier McKinney, said he texted him as well when he agreed to terms with Packers and McKinney called Mara right…
#NYGiants owner John Mara on Saquon Barkley: "It was kind of an ongoing discussion through the year that it could come to this. They knew my feelings that I was hoping it didn't come to this, but again, at the end of the day I know sometimes every once in a while I read that,…
John Mara mentioned the "meddling" narrative, and says the only time he reached out to Saquon Barkley was on the day he decided to sign with the Eagles. Mara said they exchanged texts, was complimentary of Barkley. Says it will pain him to see Saquon in the division, but that's…