Everyone and anyone knows the reputation of Philadelphia sports fans — especially Eagles fans, who have earned fame by throwing snowballs at Santa Claus, showering the field with batteries, punching police horses and, of course, a seemingly limitless amount of brawls.
Eagles fans also tend to raise their children in the same vein, teaching them words that some adults have never heard before, while also showing them how to fly a bird at opposing fans and players.
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley got his first taste of Philly a year ago, as did his Father, who very nearly exchanged blows with a group in the stands.
On Monday night, Barkley will be back in Philly for the second time in his career and he doesn’t anticipate much will change.
"You might see a different type of hand gesture when you go into Philly" – @saquon pic.twitter.com/KZVcFeM7nk
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) December 5, 2019
“Every parking lot is different, but you might see different types of hand gestures when you go to Philly. But that’s Philly,” Barkley told reporters on Thursday. “I remember my Dad went to the game last year and my Dad had to take a step back and remember he’s my Father. We don’t want to be on the front cover in New York. A fan might have said something he didn’t really agree with, but I think my Dad handled that in the right way.
“Those fans… They’re Philly. That’s how Philly is. It’s fun. It’s always fun to go out there and play against them, so hopefully we go out there and get a win.”
Barkley then elaborated on the shock that comes from hearing a six-year-old spew vile tripe at players.
“It’s who it comes from, I will say that’s not expected,” Barkley said with a smile. “You might see a kid… It’s unique, but it’s fun. That’s football and that’s what Philly is known for and the type of people that they are.
“But you can use it against them also, too. If you can get things going, you can get the crowd going in a different direction.”
With the Eagles’ playoff hopes waning, expect Philly fans to be tuned up to 100 on Monday night.
[lawrence-related id=634498,634480,634348]