‘I am going to have a tough time sleeping’: Giants owner’s worst fears confirmed

Saquon Barkley shone in South America – but it didn’t stop Jason Kelce offering words of advice to the Philadelphia Eagles newest star.

The running-back delivered a three-touchdown display to delight the Eagles and leave his former team, the New York Giants, looking on in anger, frustration and disappointment.

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The Eagles overcame a sloppy start to win a shootout in Sao Paulo, overcoming the Green Bay Packers 34-29 as the NFL made it’s debut in Brazil.

While younger brother Travis remains active in the NFL, cheered on by girlfriend Taylor Swift as the Kansas City Chiefs kicked off the season with victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night.

Jason is warming up for a debut of his own after retiring at the end of the 2023 season.

After bringing to an end his likely Hall of Fame 13-season career as starting center he will move into broadcasting as part of ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown – starting with the New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.

But the 36-year old has been busy on his social media channels over the first two games of the season – commenting on officials interpretations of new laws and enjoying the Eagles victory.

However he turned his focus to Barkley who made a stunning debut for the Eagles following his high profile free agency move from the New York Giants that left Big Blue fans angry and ownership frustrated.

Barkley scored two rushing touchdowns, and added a third receiving TD to go with 132 total yards, becoming only the second player to grab three touchdowns on their debut – the great Terrell Owens had been the only previous player to do it.

Barkley’s arrival in Philly, had left Giants owner John Mara visibly frustrated as the free agency move played out in the first ever Hard Knocks to track an offseason.

Inside the Giants front office, they had hoped to keep Barkley but as talk of offers from rival teams filtered through they were left losing their second overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft.

“In a perfect world, I’d still like to have him back,” Mara told general manager Joe Schoen.

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When Schoen reported that Chicago and Philadelphia were in the Barkley market, Mara made his feelings clear.

“I am going to have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philly, as I told you, I am just being honest

“I have been around enough players. He is the most popular player we have by far.”

While Barkley’s achievements were historic, and the Giants owner left with another sleepless night, Kelce had advice for the Eagles that using the powerful running back to lead the ‘tush push’ might be the way to go.

Kelce’s anchoring of the offensive line made the move almost impossible to stop as more often than not quarterback Jalen Hurts powered over the line for a touchdown from close range, or gained the yard or two required.

With no Kelce it remains to be seen if the Eagles can maintain the move’s success – but the Eagles legend believes Barkley can help keep it alive.

“Tush push to end it!!!!!, Kelce posted on social media. And when one fan suggested Saquon to take the ball, Kelce was quick to reply: “I mean I wouldn’t be mad at that.”

Kelce also had sympathetic words for Packers quarterback Jordan Love who limped off the field and faces an agonizing wait to determine the extent of a lower leg injury.

In the final stages of the game he took a late hit and as he went down his knee buckled and gruesome footage seemed to suggest a pop.

“Hopefully Jordan Love is okay, love watching him play,” Kelce posted on X. Although when one fan suggested he donate his leg, Kelce was honest enough to admit, “I promise you, for the longevity of his career Jordan Love does not want my leg!”

The 25-year-old enjoyed a stunning first season as starter for the Packers, replacing Aaron Rodgers and lead them to the NFC Championship against San Francisco.

Love has been tipped as a potential MVP candidate and was replaced by backup Malik Willis for the final plays of the game.

While some reports said Love was able to leave the stadium unaided Green Bay head coach Matt LeFleur did not give away much afterward.

“We are waiting,” he told the Packers Radio Network.

“Obviously very concerned about it, we’ll wait to find out when we do more tests.”

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