Saquon Barkley Relives College Atmosphere at Eagles’ Open Practice
Saquon Barkley’s entry onto Lincoln Financial Field from the home tunnel marks a significant moment in his career. This was the first time Barkley emerged from the home side in Philadelphia, having previously played at this venue from the visitors’ tunnel for Penn State and the New York Giants.
The recent Eagles' open practice drew a massive crowd of over 50,000 fans, an impressive figure that speaks volumes about Philadelphia's passionate fan base. The open practice event has seen an increasing number of attendees in recent years, solidifying its reputation for creating an electric atmosphere similar to some of the grandest stages in collegiate sports.
Barkley was quick to draw parallels between this experience and his college days, emphasizing the unique vibe that Lincoln Financial Field offers. "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, reflecting on the energy that comes from such a fervent fan base.
Another player who felt the intensity of the crowd was Trevor Keegan. Reflecting on the practice, Keegan said, "It was awesome. I remember walking out there and they're introducing all the guys, I'm like 'Holy shit, this is so cool.'" Keegan went on to compare the experience favorably to playing at Michigan Stadium, a venue renowned for its formidable home-field advantage. "It was louder than Michigan Stadium with those 50,000 people. It was rocking," he added.
The shared sense of unity between the players and the fans at Lincoln Financial Field is undeniable. Both Barkley and Keegan expressed how this support has amplified their excitement and motivation for the upcoming season. "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," said Keegan, capturing the essence of what it means to play in front of such a dedicated crowd.
Barkley concurred, elaborating on the impact that the fans’ energy has on the team. "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 said. This atmosphere not only boosts the players' morale but also brings back memories of their glory days in college.
As someone who has experienced the daunting atmosphere of Beaver Stadium, Barkley feels a strong connection to playing at Lincoln Financial Field. "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," he noted.
The sense of anticipation and high stakes is something that resonates deeply with both players. "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," said Barkley, underlining his commitment to the team and its supporters.
The open practice was, without a doubt, a momentous occasion for newcomers like Keegan as well. "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," he shared, embodying the infectious excitement that the event generated.
But beyond the excitement and anticipation lies a deeper appreciation for the community that rallies around the team. "Blue collar, hard-working people that sports brings all together. It's one of the coolest things," Keegan remarked, encapsulating the spirit of Philadelphia’s sports culture.
The open practice at Lincoln Financial Field was more than just a routine pre-season event; it was a powerful reminder of the unique connection between the team and its fans, rekindling the college-like fervor that makes playing for the Eagles an extraordinary experience.