Saquon Barkley claims he didn't see Super Bowl banner during season opener

The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off their 2025 NFL season at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday. Before the game, the Eagles unveiled their brand new Super Bowl banner after winning its all last year.

While fans arrived in their seats early to take a look at the new banner as it dropped, the Eagles players weren’t given the opportunity. Instead, they were in the locker room when the ceremony occurred. In turn, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley didn’t even notice it amid the intensity of game day.

“We weren’t out there when the Super Bowl banner dropped, so I still haven’t seen the Super Bowl banner. I’ll be looking for that next time we play in the Linc,” Barkley said during an appearance on the ManningCast during the Vikings vs. Bears. “But it’s always a great start, especially when you’re going against NFC East opponent, a rival and get a 1-0 start to the season, and a fast start to the season is always what you want.”

Having the Eagles away during the ceremony was reportedly strategic on head coach Nick Sirianni’s part. It was apparently a test to see if his players can keep their focus on what’s in front of them. To get his message across, Sirianni has gone as far as showing his team a photo that has a car driving away with the Lombardi Trophy in its rear-view mirror.

Barkley finished the game with 18 carries for 60 yards and a touchdown as the Eagles defeated the Cowboys 24-20. He added four catches for 24 yards out of the back field to cap off his season opener.

Philadelphia would score all three of its touchdowns on the ground, with quarterback Jalen Hurts accounting for the other two. Hurts was the team’s leading rusher with 62 yards, as added 152 passing yards on 19-of-23 attempts through the air.

In total, the Cowboys would end up out-gaining the Eagles in total yards 307-302 despite the victory. However, Philadelphia had the advantage running the football.

“Obviously, we’ve got a lot we can improve on,” Barkley continued. “But that’s my favorite part — the adjustments that you make from Week 1 to Week 2, and we’re excited for that. Especially since we’ve got a tough matchup against Kansas City.”

If all eyes weren’t already on the Eagles in their standalone NFL kickoff game, they certainly will be in Week 2. The Eagles will travel to Kansas City to take on Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch from last season.