Saquon Barkley and Trevor Keegan Experience College-Like Atmosphere at Eagles' Open Practice
For the first time, Saquon Barkley walked out of the home tunnel onto Lincoln Financial Field, greeted by the roaring approval of over 50,000 fans attending the Philadelphia Eagles' open practice. The crowd's energy was palpable, reminiscent of the electric ambiance of college football stadiums, like Michigan Stadium, as noted by former Michigan Wolverine Trevor Keegan.
"It was louder than Michigan Stadium with those 50,000 people. It was rocking," Keegan remarked in awe. The practice's remarkable attendance underscored the fervent support of Philadelphia's fan base, providing a college-like atmosphere that left Barkley and Keegan both exhilarated and motivated for the forthcoming season.
Barkley, now an important figure for the Eagles, had previously emerged from the visitors’ tunnel playing for Penn State and later for the New York Giants. The transition to the Eagles' home turf was not only a physical shift but also an emotional homecoming, as he reflected on the similarities between the NFL and his collegiate days.
"I tell these guys it's like college," Barkley shared, drawing parallels between the stadiums' vibe and the intense passion of Philadelphia fans. "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."
Indeed, Lincoln Financial Field, located 200 miles southeast of Beaver Stadium, echoed with the kind of enthusiasm that Barkley recalls from his college days. "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."
For Keegan, the experience was equally momentous. "It was awesome. I remember walking out there and they're introducing all the guys," he recounted with excitement. "I'm like, 'Holy shit, this is so cool.'"
The unified support from the fans, generating such a charged atmosphere for a practice session, highlighted the unique bond between the city's teams and their supporters. "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," Barkley emphasized. "It's big. It helps us as a team. It kind of gives me that college feel again."
Philadelphia's fan base is renowned for their intense devotion and commitment, traits that resonate deeply with the players. "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," said Keegan. Barkley echoed this sentiment, expressing his eagerness to perform for the Eagles' supporters. "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 sheer enthusiasm from the fans has had a tangible impact on the players' mindset and energy. "You can feel it from the fans. I got goosebumps," Keegan admitted. "It was so cool. I was so excited and I'm excited for the season."
The camaraderie and shared passion between Philadelphia's sports teams and their fans create a unique and powerful environment. "Blue collar, hard-working people that sports brings all together. It's one of the coolest things," Keegan concluded, capturing the essence of what makes Philadelphia's sporting culture so special.