Saquon Barkley’s New Ad: A Subtle Dig at His Former Team?

As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for their season finale against the New York Giants, Saquon Barkley seems to be taking a playful jab at his former team through a new advertisement. After an impressive performance that saw him rush for over 2,000 yards this season, Barkley’s ad for Unisom, a sleep aid, contains a cryptic message that might be directed at Giants owner John Mara.

Context: John Mara’s Notorious Statement

In a conversation with the team’s general manager Joe Schoen, Mara famously expressed his concerns about Barkley joining the Eagles, stating he would “have a hard time sleeping” if that were to happen. With Barkley now thriving in Philadelphia, the ad seems to serve as a lighthearted response to those comments.

A Lullaby for the Giants?

In the advertisement, Barkley said, “I heard some of you were having trouble sleeping, so I wrote you a lullaby. Rockabye baby, awake in your bed, as the thought of 2,000 swirls in your head. It sure is tough to lose sleep over football – not for me, though. Good night to you all.” This playful message underscores his triumphant season and highlights his record-breaking rush yards.

A Historic Season in the Making

Despite his impressive performance this season, Barkley will take a break during Week 18 to prepare for the playoffs, leaving him just 101 yards shy of becoming the NFL’s single-season rushing yards leader. However, he achieved the remarkable milestone of surpassing 2,000 rushing yards, becoming only the ninth player in NFL history to do so after a stellar 167-yard game on Sunday.

Balancing Personal Goals and Team Success

While Barkley admits that part of him wanted to chase the rushing record, he understands the importance of prioritizing the team’s success. He shared, “He asked me if I wanted to play, if I wanted to go for it. On Sunday, I probably didn’t care too much for it. When I slept on it, I realized it was an opportunity to implant my name in football history. I may never get another chance like that again.” Ultimately, he decided against risking injury for personal glory, finishing the season with 2,005 rushing yards.

Looking Ahead

As Barkley prepares for the playoffs, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he continues to perform in the postseason. His journey serves as a reminder of his talent and resilience amid the challenges of switching teams and pursuing individual and team achievements.