As Saquon Barkley emerged from the home tunnel onto Lincoln Financial Field, the significance of the moment wasn't lost on him. For the first time in his career, he was walking into a practice session of the Eagles, in front of over 50,000 fervent fans, at a stadium that is rapidly becoming a hallmark of electric atmospheres in the NFL. It was a far cry from his previous experiences, where he had stepped out from the visitors’ tunnel, both for Penn State and later the New York Giants.
"I tell these guys it's like college," Barkley said, reflecting on the atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field. "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."
Electric Ambiance at Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field, located approximately 200 miles southeast of Beaver Stadium, has become a beacon for Philadelphia's fervent fan base. The Eagles' open practice has swelled to accommodate over 50,000 fans in recent years, creating a vibe that's reminiscent of some of the most energized college stadiums.
Trevor Keegan, too, couldn't help but marvel at the sight. “It was awesome. I remember walking out there and they're introducing all the guys, I'm like 'Holy shit, this is so cool.' It was louder than Michigan Stadium with those 50,000 people. It was rocking."
A College-Like Unity
Barkley couldn't help but draw parallels between the college game and Eagles' practices. "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 explained.
This sentiment is echoed by Keegan, who described the atmosphere as goosebump-inducing. "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. Blue collar, hard-working people that sports brings all together. It's one of the coolest things."
A City’s Undying Passion
The passion and unity of Philadelphia's fans have not gone unnoticed by Barkley. "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," Barkley noted.
Indeed, the city's fervent support has stoked excitement and motivation among the players. "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," Barkley pledged, touched by the overwhelming support from the thousands of fans.
Keegan agrees, sharing his emotions about embracing the local 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," he said.
In Philadelphia, the players find themselves immersed in an environment that fosters a sense of unity and connection, much like their collegiate days. Whether it's the palpable energy of the fans or the communal spirit that pervades the stadium, Lincoln Financial Field has evolved into a sanctuary where professional athletes can once again experience that electrifying college atmosphere. And for Barkley and Keegan, this means walking out onto the field with renewed vigor and ambition, ready to give their all for a city that has shown them unwavering support.