Barkley Admits Past Dislike for Sirianni, Now Praises Him

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley revealed this week that he once harbored strong dislike for head coach Nick Sirianni during his time with the rival New York Giants, but his views have shifted dramatically since joining the team. The admission came ahead of the Eagles' final two regular-season games, as the defending Super Bowl champions push for a higher playoff seed in the NFC.

Barkley, a three-time Pro Bowl selection who signed with Philadelphia as a free agent following the 2023 season, shared his initial impressions during a Wednesday media session. He pointed to a specific moment from the Eagles' 38-7 divisional round playoff victory over the Giants in January 2022 at Lincoln Financial Field. A broadcast clip captured Sirianni nodding confidently after the lopsided win, an image that lingered with Barkley. "I couldn’t stand that motherf***er," Barkley said. "I could not."

That sentiment has since evolved into admiration. Barkley now praises Sirianni's meticulous approach and leadership, crediting it for the team's sustained success over the past five seasons. "He doesn’t get a lot of respect," Barkley said. "I don’t know why he doesn’t kind of get the...