Saquon Barkley walked out of the home tunnel onto Lincoln Financial Field for the first time, an experience starkly different from his previous appearances on this hallowed ground. Barkley, who had emerged from the visitors’ tunnel playing for Penn State and later for the New York Giants, now stood before over 50,000 fans during the Eagles' open practice. The energy in Lincoln Financial Field, located 200 miles southeast of Beaver Stadium, was electric.
Reflecting on the enthusiasm of the Philadelphia crowd, Barkley likened it to his college days. "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," he said. The vigor and passion of the fans were palpable, creating a sense of unity among players and supporters alike.
The Eagles' open practice has seen significant growth in recent years, with attendance numbers now surpassing 50,000. For many attending the event, the atmosphere was intoxicatingly familiar, reminiscent of the fervor found in collegiate stadiums. Trevor Keegan, who also felt this powerful surge, noted, "It was awesome. I remember walking out there and they're introducing all the guys, I'm like 'Holy shit, this is so cool.'" The open practice evoked memories of his time at Michigan Stadium, "It was louder than Michigan Stadium with those 50,000 people. It was rocking."
Philadelphia's fervent fan base and the overwhelming support from attendees have bolstered both Barkley and Keegan's excitement 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. The palpable energy and collective motivation draw a clear parallel to the college spirit both athletes miss.
Barkley further elaborated on this sentiment, "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." This roaring camaraderie rejuvenates the players' ambition, priming them for the season ahead. "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," explained Barkley.
With each roar from the crowd, the players' determination visibly intensified. "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," Barkley proclaimed. Keegan, too, shared his eagerness, "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."
The connection between Philadelphia’s fans and its sports teams is undeniably strong, a synergy that Barkley and Keegan cherish. Keegan sums it up, "Blue collar, hard-working people that sports brings all together. It's one of the coolest things." Indeed, the unity forged in the flames of shared passion is what fuels both the team and its supporters—a true testament to the city’s unwavering dedication.