Saquon Barkley says he doesn’t expect Giants fans to want him back as Eli Manning jokes about Scorsese twist
Barkley, who left New York for Philadelphia before the 2024 season, discussed a new Prime Video documentary and his ties to the Giants on the Manningcast
Saquon Barkley said he does not expect New York Giants fans to want to see him in a Giants uniform again, a remark that came as former Giants quarterback Eli Manning joked about a cinematic turn of events tied to the running back’s new documentary.
Manning, appearing on Monday’s edition of ESPN’s "Manningcast," suggested Barkley could engineer a dramatic moment by switching teams when the Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 9 — the same day a Prime Video documentary produced by Martin Scorsese is scheduled to debut. "I don’t think any Giants fan ever wants to see me in a Giants uniform again," Barkley said on the broadcast. "You know the saying, once a Giant, always a Giant. I hope that still stays true for me."
Barkley left the Giants after six seasons and signed with the Eagles ahead of the 2024 season. His move proved pivotal for Philadelphia, as he rushed for a career-best 2,005 yards with 13 touchdowns and helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl in his first season with the team. Barkley was also named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
The decision to depart New York and the success that followed in Philadelphia were recurring themes during Barkley’s appearance, which coincided with promotion for the Prime Video documentary. Barkley said the film focuses on his recovery and resurgence over the past five years, from a significant injury through the run to a Super Bowl, and includes footage that underscores his affection for the Giants organization.
"The beauty of this doc is the growth of the last five years from my injury up to going to Philly and winning a Super Bowl," Barkley said. "It shows the trials and tribulations and all the work that I put in to get back into it. But it also shows the love and support that I have for the Giants organization."
Manning framed his Oct. 9 quip as a playful, cinematic suggestion — a "Scorsese twist" — referencing the involvement of director Martin Scorsese with the project. The remark drew attention because of the timing: the documentary’s release date falls on a game day when Barkley will return to East Rutherford as an opposing player.
Barkley also acknowledged a lighter moment of influence from the Manning brothers, confirming on the show that Eli Manning inspired a reverse hurdle technique Barkley used during the 2024 season. Barkley credited the Mannings when discussing how small interactions and mentorship have informed his play.
The documentary’s release will offer an account of Barkley’s recent career arc, including rehabilitation from injury, his decision to change teams and the performance that followed. The Oct. 9 game will mark one of the more anticipated regular-season matchups between the Giants and Eagles since Barkley’s move, with narratives around player loyalty and franchise ties expected to dominate coverage.
Giants fans and the wider NFL audience will have an opportunity to see how Barkley frames his relationship with New York in the documentary and whether that portrayal affects public sentiment as the season progresses. For now, Barkley said he hopes the phrase "once a Giant, always a Giant" still applies to him despite his departure and subsequent success with Philadelphia.
