“‘It Made Me Sick’: John Mara Reacts to Saquon Barkley Leaving Giants for Division Rival

In the world of professional sports, player-team relationships can be as volatile as the games themselves.

The saga of Saquon Barkley, the star running back for the New York Giants, is a poignant example of this volatility.

Once celebrated as the face of the franchise, Barkley found himself at odds with the organization in 2023.

A recent documentary titled Saquon sheds light on the events leading up to his departure from the Giants and his subsequent rise to prominence with the Philadelphia Eagles.

This tale of betrayal and redemption is not just about a trade request; it’s about the search for respect and a place where talent can truly shine.

The Trade Request

On July 17, 2023, the clock was ticking for franchise-tagged players as the deadline to sign long-term contracts loomed.

Barkley, feeling undervalued and frustrated by the Giants’ latest offer, made a bold move that would change the course of his career.

He reached out to team president John Mara, requesting permission to seek a trade.

In a candid conversation, Barkley laid bare his dissatisfaction with the team’s stance and the lack of a fair contract offer.

“I’ve just seen the offer.

I just talked it over with my agent.

Once again, I appreciate that.

But I brought this up to [general manager] Joe [Schoen] a couple times and he kind of declined me.

He said ownership won’t allow it,” Barkley recounted in the documentary, his voice tinged with the weight of disappointment.

Mara’s response was swift and firm.

“I’m not going to do that,” he stated, his tone leaving little room for negotiation.

“That makes no sense for us. To be honest with you, it’s not going to be in your long-term best interest to do that. There’s no way that I would allow that at this point. You are too valuable to this franchise.”

For Barkley, these words felt like a double-edged sword.

While he appreciated Mara’s acknowledgment of his value, the refusal to explore a trade left him feeling trapped in a situation that no longer felt right.

The Fallout

Despite the rejection, Barkley’s frustrations only deepened.

He felt manipulated and undervalued, especially after the Giants’ reluctance to offer a long-term deal that reflected his contributions.

“I’ve just seen the offer.

I just talked it over with my agent.

Once again, I appreciate that.

But I brought this up to [general manager] Joe [Schoen] a couple times and he kind of declined me,” Barkley shared, his frustration palpable.

The situation escalated further when the Giants allowed Barkley to enter free agency in 2024 without extending a new contract.

This decision paved the way for Barkley to sign with their division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, on a lucrative three-year deal worth up to $46.

75 million.

The move was a clear statement: Barkley was ready to take control of his narrative.

Giants owner John Mara expressed his displeasure with Barkley’s decision, stating it made him “sick.”

However, many fans viewed this as a consequence of the team’s earlier actions, recognizing that the organization had failed to appreciate the talent they had in Barkley.

The Redemption

Barkley’s move to the Eagles proved to be a turning point in his career.

He not only found a team that valued him but also achieved unprecedented success.

In the 2025 season, he led the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory, earning Super Bowl MVP honors.

His performance was nothing short of spectacular, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier running backs.

The cheers of Eagles fans echoed in his ears, a stark contrast to the silence he felt during his final days with the Giants.

Reflecting on his journey, Barkley acknowledged the challenges he faced with the Giants but emphasized the importance of those experiences in shaping his current success.

“I had to go through that to get here,” he remarked, his eyes shining with the wisdom gained from adversity.

The pain of betrayal had transformed into a powerful driving force, propelling him toward greatness.

Conclusion

Saquon Barkley’s story is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of respect.

His journey from a rejected trade request to Super Bowl MVP encapsulates the complexities of professional sports relationships.

It serves as a reminder that sometimes, in the face of adversity, finding a new path can lead to greater success and fulfillment.

Barkley’s tale is not just about a player and a team; it’s about the courage to stand up for oneself and the determination to rise above the challenges that life presents.

In the world of sports, where loyalty and betrayal often collide, Barkley’s story shines as a beacon of hope for all who dare to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles in their way.