For Saquon Barkley, stepping onto Lincoln Financial Field carried a nostalgic weight, reminiscent of his collegiate days at Penn State. Barkley, who once ran out from the visitors’ tunnel playing for the Nittany Lions and later the New York Giants, now felt the charged atmosphere of the home crowd. His first walk out of the home tunnel was greeted by over 50,000 passionate Philadelphia Eagles fans during an open practice at the iconic stadium.
"I tell these guys it's like college," Barkley shared, drawing comparisons between the fervent atmosphere of Lincoln Financial Field and his time at Beaver Stadium. "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."
Barkley's sentiment was echoed by Trevor Keegan, who found familiarity in the electric ambiance. "The atmosphere at the Eagles' open practice evoked similarities to the electric ambiance of Michigan Stadium," Keegan said, comparing it favorably to his previous experiences. "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 significance of this shared intensity among players and fans cannot be overstated. For both Barkley and Keegan, the overwhelming support has not only heightened their excitement but also fueled their motivation for the upcoming season. Barkley acknowledged the impact of the crowd, noting, "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."
Effusive in his praise of the Philadelphia fanbase, Keegan added, "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."
This palpable energy connecting supporters and players is reminiscent of collegiate glory days, which Barkley vividly remembered. "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 said, underscoring the formidable home-field advantage provided by the fanbase.
The sheer volume of support was another point of comparison for Keegan. "It was louder than Michigan Stadium with those 50,000 people. It was rocking," he recalled, clearly impressed by the enthusiasm displayed.
For the players, this level of passion and dedication from the fans instills a heightened sense of responsibility and determination. Barkley articulated this connection beautifully, sharing, "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."
The communal bond created within this intense environment isn't just about sports; it’s about unity and shared values. Keegan explained, "Blue collar, hard-working people that sports brings all together. It's one of the coolest things."
From the towering stands of Lincoln Financial Field, stretching out before them like a sea of green and white, to the roaring cheers that electrify the very air they breathe, both Barkley and Keegan are not only reminded of their roots but are also motivated by the collective spirit that defines Philadelphia's fanbase. "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," Keegan expressed, encapsulating the exhilaration both players feel as they prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable season.