Saquon Barkley wasn't on familiar turf when he walked out of the home tunnel at Lincoln Financial Field for the first time. This Philadelphia Eagles’ open practice, attended by over 50,000 fervent fans, offered a different kind of exhilaration for the seasoned NFL running back.
Barkley, who had previously emerged from the visitors’ tunnel while playing for Penn State and later for the New York Giants, experienced a unique atmosphere at the Eagles' practice. The electric ambiance, reminiscent of the collegiate glory days, resonated deeply with him. “I tell these guys it's like college. If you think about it, when you leave college -- the NFL is on another level with the stadiums and the vibe. You never really get that college feeling, but you get that here,” said Barkley.
Located 200 miles southeast of Beaver Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field has seen its open practice grow in capacity in recent years, reaching over 50,000 fans. The passionate Philadelphia fan base, known for its intense devotion, didn't disappoint. The overwhelming support has fueled Barkley’s excitement and motivation for the upcoming season. "I already knew how much love this city has, not just for this team, but all the teams around here. But for a practice to have 50,000 fans is truly insane. ... It's big. It helps us as a team. It kind of gives me that college feel again," he shared.
Trevor Keegan found similar sentiments coursing through his veins. Having grown accustomed to the thunderous cheers of Michigan Stadium, Keegan was taken aback by the sheer volume of the gathered crowd. "It was awesome. I remember walking out there and they're introducing all the guys, I'm like 'Holy shit, this is so cool,'" he admitted. Drawing a comparison to his collegiate days, he noted, "It was louder than Michigan Stadium with those 50,000 people. It was rocking."
The sense of unity between players and supporters is what makes Philadelphia’s fan base exceptional. Barkley elaborated on this bond, reflecting on the atmosphere in Beaver Stadium, "When I was in college, you didn't want anyone to come into Beaver Stadium and get a win there. You get that feel here. You know how much every week is, and how much that means, when you play at the Linc." It’s a reflection of Philadelphia's blue-collar spirit—a camaraderie forged through hard work and a shared love for the game.
Both Barkley and Keegan are eager to channel this energy into their performances. "You just hear about it every day how passionate the fans are for this team and the rest of the sports teams. It's awesome," Keegan remarked. The palpable excitement has set the stage for a season where commitment to the fanbase takes center stage. “I'm excited to go out there and play for those guys, to play for this fanbase. Every week I'm gonna try to give them 100 percent and try to compete at a high level," emphasized Barkley.
The atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field during the open practice wasn’t just about the size of the crowd, but the significant emotional charge it carried. Keegan summed it up best, expressing the profound impact these moments have on the players, "You can feel it from the fans. I got goosebumps. It was so cool. I was so excited and I'm excited for the season." There’s a special kind of electricity that runs through the stadium, one that makes every practice feel pivotal.
In Philadelphia, the blending of player dedication and fan fervor creates a formidable force. As Keegan eloquently put it, "Blue collar, hard-working people that sports brings all together. It's one of the coolest things." It’s this synergy that both Barkley and Keegan hope to harness as they gear up for a season filled with promise and potential.