New York Giants co-owner John Mara joked Monday that he was angry at Saquon Barkley for the commercial he did, which seemingly took a shot at the end of his tenure with the team.
Mara said earlier this year during an episode of “Hard Knocks” that he would have trouble sleeping if Barkley joined the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. Sure enough, Barkley signed with the Eagles and helped them to an NFC East title.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
John Mara stands on the sideline during the pregame of a game between the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, December 29, 2024. (Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Barkley’s commercial aired last weekend and Mara spoke about it after announcing the team would retain general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. for the 2025 season.
“I called him before the game and told him I was very angry with him because of our long relationship. He said, ‘What do you mean?’ I said you could have at least asked me to be in the commercial with you,” Mara said.
“I said I was tossing and turning. I said there is an acting gene in our family. It’s not just my nieces.’
BROWNS’ DESHAUN WATSON SUFFERS SETUP IN RECOVERY FROM ACHILLES INJURY, GM SAYS
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley looks on before a game against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on January 5, 2025. (Bill Streicher-Imagn images)
Mara is the uncle of actresses Rooney and Kata Mara.
Barkley’s commercial for Unisom was released Thursday.
“I heard some of you were having trouble sleeping, so I wrote you a lullaby,” Barkley said in the ad. “Rockabye baby, awake in your bed, with the thought of 2,000 swirling through your head. It’s sure hard to lose sleep over football, but not for me. Good night to you all.”
Barkley finished 101 meters less than the record for rushing yards in a single season.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, No. 26, is congratulated by offensive tackle Jordan Mailata, No. 68, after Barkley rushed for a long run to put him over 2,000 yards for the season during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday December 29, 2024 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Philadelphia will play the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card round of the playoffs.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports reporting on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
