Saquon Barkley is ready to play football with or without fans
By Mark Carman
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is going stir crazy at home. He is hoping and praying there will be football, ready to play with or without fans.
Saquon Barkley is itching for life to get back to normal like the rest of us. Barkley was blunt when asked what he finds most challenging about this stay-at-home, social-distancing time.
“Not losing my mind,” Barkley said. “I’m pretty sure that’s for everyone we want to go back to doing normal things. You are trying to find new ways to entertain yourself. Luckily, I have a two-year-old daughter running around the house, she’s been doing that for me.”
Barkley became a father for the first time and was drafted by the New York Giants two years ago this week. The Giants have the 4th overall pick and are rumored to be eyeing an offensive lineman. Barkley would be pleased if that is the route unpredictable Giants general manager Dave Gettleman chooses.
“I wouldn’t hate that at all, but I wouldn’t hate if they brought someone else in on the other side,” Barkley said. “The only thing I would love, is a competitive guy who wants to help this team win games get back to where we can be.”
Barkley will be working with a new coach, Joe Judge, and offensive coordinator, Jason Garrett when football returns. Competing against Dallas the last couple of years, Barkley is excited for Garrett’s offense to take form in New York.
“Zeke (Ezekiel Elliot) has always been one of my favorite running backs to watch and I loved how Dallas used him,” Barkley said. “But not only Zeke. Dak (Prescott), Amari (Cooper), tight ends, offensive line, they’ve always had a great offense over there. I’m going to try and learn the tape and see how he (Garrett) is able to mold into the players that we have, and hopefully be able to have not even similar success, but even more success.”
First things first, Barkley is on pins and needles keeping his fingers crossed the NFL will be back come September.
“That’s the goal, I hope,” Barkley said. “I’m praying for it, I’m hoping and also hoping that everyone is continuing to stay safe.”
Would Barkley mind if there were no fans in the stands?
“Nah, would not,” Barkley said. “Obviously you love to entertain, but at the end of the day, I love the game of football, I have a passion about it.”
Barkley is working with FedEx in the fight against COVID-19. To keep up to date with the FedEx relief efforts visit: fedex.com/coronavirus.