The New York Giants faced a tough challenge in their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, particularly on the offensive end. With star running back Saquon Barkley sidelined due to injury, the Giants struggled to find the end zone, ultimately falling short in a 28-6 loss.
Quarterback Daniel Jones bore the brunt of the criticism for the lackluster performance, throwing two interceptions, including a costly pick six. The spotlight was on Jones as he navigated the challenges of leading the offense without the team’s star playmaker.
In a show of sportsmanship and camaraderie, Barkley reached out to Jones after the game to offer some words of encouragement. Despite now playing for the rival Philadelphia Eagles, Barkley emphasized that there were no hard feelings towards his former team.
“I was there for six years, got a lot of friends there, so no bad feelings for those guys. Hopefully, they’re able to bounce back,” Barkley shared with Tim McManus of ESPN. The running back’s message of support and positivity resonated with Jones, who appreciated the gesture from his friend.
“Yeah, I talked to him. I’m really good friends with DJ. Obviously, didn’t have the game that he wanted. From me, was just letting him know that––’just go out there and play free,'” Barkley revealed when asked about their conversation.
Despite the loss and the scrutiny surrounding Jones’s performance, Barkley’s actions highlighted the bond between teammates, past and present. As the Giants look to regroup and improve moving forward, the support from someone like Barkley can make a difference in maintaining team morale and unity.
