Saquon Barkley Pens Note To Giants Fans ... Please Respect My Decision

Saquon Barkley is trying to make peace with upset Giants fans ... saying in an emotional note to Big Blue late Thursday night that his move to the rival Eagles was simply a "business" decision.

The 27-year-old running back posted the message to his Instagram page ... two days after he spurned New York in favor of a three-year, $37.75 million deal with Philadelphia.

In his letter, Barkley thanked the Giants' org and their supporters for all the love they showed him the past six seasons ... before he seemed to explain that his move out of NY was all about dollars and cents.

"The last three days have been a whirlwind of emotions," he said, "but I wanted to take a minute to acknowledge all the Giants fans that have supported me and my family over the last six years."

"When I was drafted here," he continued, "I wanted my impact off the field to rival the accomplishments we had on it, and I can only hope that I came close to doing that."

"Ultimately the NFL is a business, and I hope that everyone can respect my decision."

The two-time Pro Bowler, of course, has received plenty of hate for leaving the Giants in free agency ... most notably from legendary tailback Tiki Barber, who said the former No. 2 overall pick was now "dead" to him.

SEE YA, SAQUON!!!
WFAN

Barkley famously clapped back on X, blasting Barber ... while adding he shouldn't be getting backlash because he "got the deal" he "wanted" from the Eagles -- not the Giants.

"You been a hater since I got to New York …," he wrote to Tiki, "and all the 'Dead to me' talk don’t smile in my face when you see me."

Seems Barkley's taking a more civil approach with angry Giants fans now ... only about six more months 'til we see how it'll work out for him.

Landon Dickerson I'm Getting A New Lawn mower!!! W/ My $84M Eagles Contract

TIME TO UPGRADE
Philadelphia Eagles

Forget luxury cars and diamonds ... Landon Dickerson's headed to Home Depot to cop a new lawn mower after inking a historic extension with the Philadelphia Eagles this week!

The 25-year-old was asked by reporters on Tuesday what he planned to buy with his fat new 4-year/$84 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid guard in NFL history.

His answer ... was unexpected.

"I may go get a new lawn mower," Dickerson said at his press conference on Tuesday. "It's something I've been looking into."

Landon even has his eye on a particular riding mower, a Zero Turn model, which start at over $2k!

With that new deal, get a few!

Jokes aside, it's clear the stud OL is just happy to remain in the City of Brotherly Love.

Landon's also excited to block for Saquon Barkley, the former NY Giants running back who jumped ship for the NFC East rival this week.

"Bringing in a guy like Saquon I think, for us, is adding to the amount of talent that we have and I'm really excited to see what he does," the 2x Pro Bowler said.

The 6-foot-6 athlete -- who played for Florida State and Alabama -- was drafted by the Eagles in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft and has been as dominant as any guard in the NFL over the last two seasons!

Dickerson also shared an aerial shot of his yard ... and it's safe to say the riding mower is a solid investment, 'cause that's a TON of grass.

Enjoy cutting the lawn, Landon!

Tiki Barber Rips Saquon For Eagles Signing ... Barkley Fires Back

SEE YA, SAQUON!!!
WFAN

UPDATE

3:32 PM PT -- Saquon Barkley is firing back at Tiki Barber ... accusing the NYG legend of hating on him even years before he opted to leave for the rival Eagles.

"you been a hater since I got to New York," Barkley said in a message to Barber on X. "… and all the 'Dead to me' talk don’t smile in my face when you see me."

Barkley added, "lol yup you’re the prime example of loyalty to a team.. I got the deal I wanted, secured more gm which wasn’t given to me before… so if fans are gonna hate me for that so be it! But I never turned my back on my teammates and always had theirs."

Tiki Barber is furious with Saquon Barkley for leaving the New York Giants in favor of the rival Philadelphia Eagles ... saying straight up Monday, "You're dead to me!!"

The NYG legend unleashed the harsh words on WFAN's "Evan and Tiki" just minutes after it was reported that Barkley will ink a three-year deal with Philly worth around $37 million when the new NFL year kicks off later this week.

"He's dead to us now," Barber said of Barkley. "You're dead to us, Saquon."

Tiki was hardly the only Big Blue supporter livid with the move -- numerous fans sounded off all afternoon on X as well.

Even Barber's cohost on the show, Shaun Morash, threw some shade Barkley's way too.

"By the way, Philly," he said, "enjoy the nine games he'll play next year. Enjoy, Philly. Enjoy."

Barber -- who played his whole 10-year NFL career with the Giants -- wasn't just mad at Barkley over the situation, though. He also admitted that the Giants mishandled the matter -- particularly by not franchise-tagging him this year.

Barkley was on Barber's mind even before Monday's news ... as just days ago he warned the 27-year-old tailback not to sign with the Eagles ... claiming it would be an insult to the Giants' legacy.

"Go to Baltimore!" he said. "Go to Houston! Go to L.A. Chargers! Do not go to the Philadelphia Eagles because if you do, that appreciation and respect and reverence that we all have for you, Saquon, will be lost. It will be gone"

"You’re going to turn into one of those people that we hate, and we don’t want that. We don’t. We’ll respect you, but we’ll hate you, and that’s not a good thing."

Sure doesn't seem like Tiki was lying.

Originally Published -- 2:07 PM PT

Saquon Barkley Moving On From Giants ... Set To Sign With Eagles

Saquon Barkley's playing days in New York are over ... the former Giants tailback just revealed he's signing with Philadelphia in free agency.

Barkley confirmed the news on his X page just minutes ago ... sharing two emojis of Eagles.

"Thank you to everyone who has shown me love and support over the past 6 years…," he wrote in a separate tweet. "Forever grateful! Excited for the next chapter."

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Barkley will put pen to paper on a three-year, $37.75 million deal when the new league year kicks off later this week.

Saquon was taken by New York with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft ... and, outside of 2020 when he injured his knee, he's been arguably the team's biggest star.

In his six years with the team, Barkley racked up 5,211 rushing yards, 2,100 receiving yards and 47 total touchdowns.

But, his time in NY wasn't without drama -- at least when it came to contract negotiations.

Barkley made it clear last offseason he wasn't thrilled with his situation -- after the team couldn't get him a long-term deal following their franchise tag application.

With D'Andre Swift bolting from Philly to Chicago earlier in the day, Barkley is now expected to start immediately in Jalen Hurts' backfield.

Eagles Star Lane Johnson Shows Off Insane Strength ... W/ 705 Lb. Farmer's Walk!

Strong Mane Lane

Lane Johnson is a BEAST!!!

The 33-year-old 5x Pro Bowler hit up Rooks Performance in Guthrie, Oklahoma (Lane starred at OU), where he's a regular, for a heavy lifting sesh ... and we emphasize the word heavy.

Johnson loaded up a hex bar with a bunch of big plates, totaling 705 lbs., before picking up the massive amount of weight and walking it across the gym -- a.k.a. a farmer's walk.

The exercise is a great test of strength, as it works your back, legs, core, grip, and more.

It's no surprise the 6'6", 330 lb. All-Pro lineman is strong as an ox ... but lifting over twice your body weight is insane.

In fact, anything over 1.25 times your BW is considered incredibly strong ... which in Lane's case would be north of 413 lbs. He lifted 705 ... or 213% of his body weight. 😲

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

It's far from the only time that Lane has flexed his muscles ... he's proven his strength carries over to other exercises including the vaunted deadlift.

To put the farmer's walk weight into perspective, The World's Strongest Man competition routinely works the farmer's walk into their events ... often using weights less than what Johnson carried around the gym.

And to think, Lane used to be a quarterback ...

Jalen Hurts Shaves Off Signature Goatee ... Fans Want It Back!!!

Jalen Hurts is sportin' a new look for the first time in YEARS -- he's shaved off his signature goatee ... but fans are already demanding he grow it back.

The Philadelphia Eagles QB took the razor to his face sometime between last month's NFL Pro Bowl Games and a trip to the dentist's office this week ... and so far, it's been met with mixed reviews, to say the least.

Remember, Hurts has rocked the facial hair since his college days -- and no one's really seen him with a babyface since.

But, in a smiling photo posted fresh out of a dentist's chair in Philadelphia on Thursday ... you can see clear as day, the face fuzz is no more.

Fans -- especially the female ones -- expressed their frustration with his new appearance on social media ... with one writing, "The goatee gave him a harder, no nonsense, 'Don't f*** with me' look."

Another person said on X, "He aged 75 years in the offseason." Someone else accused the pic of being AI-generated!!

Don't worry, the Eagles' 2024 season is still roughly six months away ... giving Jalen plenty of time to have it all well-groomed again for Philadelphia's Week 1.

Donovan McNabb Praises Jason Kelce After Retirement ... Hall of Fame Career!!!

ONE OF THE BEST EVER
TMZSports.com

Donovan McNabb says Jason Kelce's legendary Eagles career was truly special -- not only because he solidified his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but also due to the fact he was able to spend every season in Philadelphia.

The NFL legend spoke with TMZ Sports on the heels of Kelce's retirement announcement this week ... and he said the center did something rare in the City of Brotherly Love -- call it home for the entirety of his career.

LETTING THE TEARS FLOW
Philadelphia Eagles

McNabb pointed out even fellow greats like Brian Dawkins and Brian Westbrook had to throw on different jerseys before retiring as Eagles ... but Kelce was an exception.

"It says a lot about Jason and the things he stood for out in Philadelphia," McNabb -- who also played for Washington and Minnesota during his career -- said.

Kelce -- a 6th-round pick in 2011 -- played 13 seasons for the Eagles ... winning a Super Bowl and earning six first-team All-Pro selections.

He was as emotional as it gets when he officially announced his decision to walk away ... and McNabb loved how he did it in true Kelce fashion (including the sleeveless t-shirt look).

"It was Jason's moment," he said of the retirement speech. "He and his wife have kind of implemented that they are all about Philadelphia, they're all about the Eagles, and for a guy like Jason and the things he's been able to do in his career, he will rank among at least the top 50 of all of us who have retired and played for the Philadelphia Eagles."

McNabb added Jason better get fitted for his gold jacket, too ... 'cause not only will he join him in the Eagles' Hall of Fame, but the dude is a shoo-in for Canton as well.

Donovan McNabb Invests In Virtual Autograph Co. ... New Way To Interact W/ Fans!!!

ALL ABOUT THE FANS
TMZSports.com

NFL legend Donovan McNabb is expanding his business portfolio and getting closer to his fans at the same time ... telling TMZ Sports he's invested in a virtual autograph company.

The former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback explained his decision to partner with FanFair Signatures -- a request-based digital keepsake outlet -- and he said it's a unique way for athletes to interact with their supporters, which could be a real game-changer.

Think Cameo ... but for digitally handwritten personalized prints.

McNabb said he loves to sign items and write personal notes for football fans ... but his packed schedule can make it hard to fulfill everyone's wishes when he's out and about.

He said FanFair simplifies that process by sending fans' requests directly to him so he can write out personal notes and his Hancock using a stylus on an app -- which then get thrown on a print and delivered to the recipients.

McNabb believes he's spearheading a movement ... and sees other athletes following his lead by joining the company in the future as well.

"I think this is a new, innovative way of reaching out to your fans and being a little bit more involved," McNabb said.

Jason Kelce I'm Retiring ... Gives Tearful Goodbye

LETTING THE TEARS FLOW
Philadelphia Eagles

Jason Kelce's NFL career is over.

The Philadelphia Eagles superstar just revealed he's officially retiring ... saying at an emotional news conference Monday afternoon he's done.

Jason cried while making the announcement ... in fact, tears streamed down his face even before he began speaking at the event. Several times during his speech, he needed breaks to compose himself.

Plenty of family and friends turned out to watch the 36-year-old center say goodbye ... including Travis Kelce, who was also emotional as his big bro addressed the crowd.

Throughout his speech, Jason thanked a ton of people -- namely coaches and ex-teammates. He also referenced losing the Super Bowl to Travis.

Jason talked about meeting his wife, Kylie, as well. And, he drew some big laughs, too, when he talked about Nick Foles' "big d***" and Darren Sproles' "4-foot-8" height.

After he thanked the city of Philadelphia one more time, he left the podium without taking questions -- and gave a big hug to Travis.

Jason got his start in the league back in 2011, when the Eagles took him in the sixth round of the NFL draft. He went on to play in every game for Philly that season -- and three years later, in 2014, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection.

Jason went on to make the Pro Bowl six more times ... while recording All-Pro honors six total times as well.

In 2018, he won his first Super Bowl when he helped the Birds beat Tom Brady and the Patriots. Jason nearly logged another SB win in 2023, but his younger brother and the Chiefs came out on top in an epic matchup.

While Jason was a star on the field for nearly the entirety of his 13 seasons ... his off-the-field career really exploded this past season.

After Travis began dating Taylor Swift, the duo's "New Heights" podcast took off. Jason also got a bunch more camera time on various networks while the Eagles were on off days.

Many expect Jason's next move to be a broadcast booth -- but for now, it'll be a well-deserved celebration of a Hall of Fame career.

JASON KELCE "ME RETIRO..." Se despide entre lágrimas

La carrera de Jason Kelce en la NFL ha terminado.

La superestrella de los Philadelphia Eagles acaba de revelar que se retira oficialmente, diciendo en una emotiva conferencia de prensa el lunes por la tarde que ha terminado.

Jason lloró al hacer el anuncio, de hecho, las lágrimas corrían por su rostro, incluso antes de empezar a hablar en el evento. Varias veces durante su discurso, necesitó pausas para serenarse.

Un montón de familiares y amigos acudieron a ver el centro de 36 años de edad, decir adiós, todos, incluso su hermano Travis Kelce.

Jason comenzó en la liga en 2011, cuando los Eagles lo eligieron en la sexta ronda del draft de la NFL. Pasó a jugar en todos los partidos para Philly esa temporada y tres años más tarde, en 2014, ganó su primera selección Pro Bowl.

Jason llegó al Pro Bowl seis veces más, mientras obtuvo honores All-Pro seis veces en total.

En 2018, ganó su primer Super Bowl cuando ayudó a los Birds a vencer a Tom Brady y los Patriots. Jason casi registró otra victoria de Super Bowl en 2023, pero su hermano menor y los Chiefs salieron victoriosos en un enfrentamiento épico.

Mientras que Jason fue una estrella en el campo durante casi la totalidad de sus 13 temporadas, su carrera fuera del campo realmente explotó esta última temporada.

Después de que Travis comenzó a salir con Taylor Swift, el pódcast "New Heights" del dúo despegó. Jason también consiguió un montón más de tiempo de cámara en varias redes mientras los Eagles estaban en sus días de descanso.

Muchos esperan que el próximo movimiento de Jason sea una cabina de transmisión, pero por ahora, será una merecida celebración de una carrera en el Salón de la Fama.

Jason Kelce Trying His Luck in Las Vegas ... Gambling Big $$$ Pre-SB

Jason Kelce's flying by on luck alone this weekend -- betting thousands at a craps table before Sunday's Super Bowl kickoff.

TMZ has obtained photos of the big Philadelphia Eagles center shooting dice at a craps table in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas ... with eyewitnesses telling us JK  was playing at a high roller's table in the luxurious Vegas hot spot.

We're told the minimum bet was $1,000 while the max was $5,000 ... a pretty penny for Jason, but nothing his reported career earnings of more than $81 million won't cover.

Kelce was letting it ride with his ride or die at his side -- Kylie Kelce stood alongside him, cheering him on with the little crowd that gathered around the Super Bowl champion.

Seems like he might've won a bit too ... we're hearing he was hootin' and hollerin' a bit after a couple throws -- so maybe he's made a few bucks at the table.

TMZ INVESTIGATES
TMZ Studios

Of course, we all know why Jason's in L.V. -- his little bro Travis Kelce's attempting to win his third Super Bowl ring with the Kansas City Chiefs against the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers.

Jason's been a pretty public supporter of K.C. since his own Philadelphia Eagles were booted from the playoffs by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in embarrassing fashion last month -- a 32-9 slaughter by TB.

The Kelces are enjoying Vegas BTW ... with the couple even taking in an Adele concert -- where the 16-time Grammy Award winner said Jason sounded "drunk, and like you’re a football fan."

1/21/24
HEY TAYLOR!!!
Storyful

BTW ... Jason kept his shirt on in the casino as far as we can tell -- though it might not survive tonight's game if K.C. wins!!!

Jason Kelce I'd Love To Host 'SNL'!!! ... Amazed After Travis' Gig

GIVE ME A CALL!!!
TMZSports.com

Jason Kelce is ready to follow in his lil' bro Travis' footsteps ... telling TMZ Sports if "Saturday Night Live" wants to make him a host, he's giving an emphatic HELL YEAH!!

The elder Kelce bro is no stranger to Studio 8H -- he famously made a cameo appearance during Travis' debut back in March 2023, even lending his talents during a skit.

So when we caught up with the Philadelphia Eagles great out in Las Vegas during Super Bowl week, we asked if he'd ever want to get his own shot at headlining the sketch comedy show ... and the dude couldn't be more on board.

"Of course, I love 'SNL,'" 36-year-old Jason said. "It's one of the shows I grew up watching, an iconic show of great proportions and hilarity. Yeah, I would obviously do it."

"I was fortunate to watch Travis do it last year and really see what all goes into it. I came away beyond impressed with all the people involved in making that show work and all the talent that was there."

The billing would make a ton of sense -- the Kelces are household names (partially thanks to the Taylor Swift effect and shirtless antics on gameday) and are some of the most charismatic players in the NFL.

LIVE FROM NEW YORK!!!
TMZ.com

We reached out to our 'SNL' sources ... and they couldn't say enough good things about Jason, and would love to have him back in some capacity in the future.

In fact, we're told that could even mean giving him the hosting gig ... which is something he wouldn't take lightly.

TMZ INVESTIGATES
TMZ Studios

"It would be beyond an honor to participate in something like that, for sure," Jason added.

We also mentioned how Jason is no stranger to acting after his recent cameo on "Abbott Elementary" ... and his response proves he'll have no issue making people laugh if those 'SNL' peeps come calling.

Jason Kelce Breaks Out Mickey Mouse Tee ... Disney Day With The Fam!!!

Jason Kelce threw on his best Mickey Mouse T-shirt and had a Disney day with the fam on Friday -- and by the looks of things, the NFL star very much enjoyed his trip to Walt's World.

In Orlando this weekend for the 2024 Pro Bowl games, Kelce, his wife and his kids got away from the gridiron for a bit and made the trek over to Disney World ... and according to a bunch of people at the park, the Philadelphia Eagles center was lovin' the most magical place on Earth.

One witness tells TMZ Sports, Kelce was first spotted at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ... and plenty of people stopped what they were doing to snap pics of Travis Kelce's brother as he made his way around.

Later, others saw him helping his kids take a jaunt on the ultra-popular Mad Tea Party tea cup ride.

Of course, Jason's got a few more days of relaxation before it'll get a bit more stressful for him ... after all, his little brother is playing against the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, and he'll have to be on his best behavior in the stands as he'll almost certainly have a seat yet again next to Taylor Swift if she can make it to the Big Game.

But, for now, Jason is soakin' in what could be his last-ever Pro Bowl experience ... as he reportedly told his teammates following their playoff loss last month that he's retiring this offseason.

Josh Allen Enjoys Day Date With Hailee Steinfeld ... Forget NFL Sunday!!!

Josh Allen didn't appear to have much interest in watching the NFL's championship games on Sunday ... instead, he opted for a day date with Hailee Steinfeld.

The Buffalo Bills quarterback -- who was just eliminated from the postseason on Jan. 21 -- was spotted enjoying some quality time with his girlfriend in Orange County, Calif. as the Chiefs, Ravens, 49ers and Lions battled for a spot in the Super Bowl.

Allen was seen gassing up Hailee's Range Rover ... before the two met up with some pals in Dana Point.

It's unclear if Allen was able to catch the big games while out ... but either way, it seems his focus was on getting some R&R with Steinfeld.

TMZ INVESTIGATES
TMZ Studios

The two have been dating since last spring ... although they've largely kept their romance private. In fact, Steinfeld was hardly ever spotted at his games -- but eagle-eyed fans did at least notice her out at Bills vs. Chargers game last month.

Of course, it'll be a while before she's able to see her man on the field again ... with the Bills' 2023 season over, he won't be suiting up for another seven or so months.

Until then ... enjoy the offseason, lovebirds!

Jason Kelce Gifts McDonald's Employee Signed Eagles Jersey ... & She's Lovin' It!

This is awesome ... Jason Kelce (you thought the guy couldn't be any more likable?!) hooked a local McDonald's employee up in a supersized way, giving the fast food worker a signed Philadelphia Eagles jersey as a thank you!

36-year-old Kelce, who is mulling his football future, grabbed breakfast Wednesday morning -- 2 sausage, egg and cheese McMuffins with a coffee -- and also found time to spread some serious Brotherly Love!

Jason got to know Danielle Bonham through his repeated trips to the restaurant (hey, lineman's gotta keep on the size!), and with his playing career possibly over, he hooked the woman up with the autographed threads.

“To Danielle. Go Birds! Thank You!” JK wrote on the #62 jersey. The future Hall of Famer also found time to pose for a photo from his driver's seat.

As for Kelce's decision on his football future, while it sounds like he may be done ... it's not a done deal just yet.

In fact, on his New Heights podcast this morning, Jason said it was too soon to make a decision ... despite reports he told his teammates he was done playing.

Of course, the Eagles were blown out by the Bucs on Monday, losing 32-9, ending the Philly season.

Jason Kelce responde a los rumores de retirada y se muestra muy emocionado tras la derrota en los playoffs

es muy emocional
New Heights / Wave Sports + Entertainment

Jason Kelce no está listo para anunciar oficialmente que se aleja de su carrera por el Salón de la Fama todavía. La estrella de los Philadelphia Eagles optó por no confirmar si va a entregar sus papeles de jubilación, esto después de los rumores de que dijo a sus compañeros de equipo que era un hecho.

El campeón del Super Bowl de 36 años de edad, abordó su futuro en la NFL en el último episodio de su pódcast "New Heights", con su hermano y Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis el miércoles. Explicó que estaba realmente golpeado después de que su equipo fuera expulsado de los playoffs a manos de Baker Mayfield y los Bucaneros de Tampa Bay.

"Simplemente no creo que estés en una posición después de un juego como ese para realmente tomar esa decisión", dijo Jason al novio de Taylor Swift.

El All-Pro dijo que no está tratando de mantener a la gente en el borde de sus asientos con su poca claridad al respecto, pero admitió que no estaba mentalmente claro como para llegar a una conclusión después de la derrota.

"Hay demasiada emoción en este momento. Hay demasiadas cosas pasando para realmente comprender plenamente esa decisión".

Jason fue inflexible en que no está tratando de ser "dramático", añadiendo: "Es solo algo que creo que, cuando llegue el momento de anunciar oficialmente lo que está sucediendo en el futuro, se hará de una manera que es definitiva y rinde respeto a un montón de personas e individuos que han significado mucho para mí y lo que ha llevado a la carrera que he tenido".

Jason estaba muy emocionado hablando de su conversación con el vestuario de los Eagles después del partido, diciendo que les dijo a los jugadores que abrazaran cada momento.

Ciertamente, suena como que muy bien puede haber visto el final del número 62 en el campo, pero los fans de Filadelfia tendrán que esperar un poco más para averiguar si es realmente el final de una era.

Old news is old news!
Be First!

Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser!