Former Eagles center Jason Kelce ‘regrets’ missing the chance to block for Saquon Barkley post-retirement

Jason Kelce said that he is complaining to Eagles executive VP Howie Roseman for not bringing Saquon Barkley earlier.

Former Eagles center Jason Kelce ‘regrets’ missing the chance to block for Saquon Barkley post-retirement

Jason Kelce wished that Saquon Barkley and he could have played together. (Images via Imago)

Jason Kelce seems to have settled into his new role as an ESPN analyst after bidding adieu to an illustrious NFL career earlier this year. However, even the ex-Super Bowl champion has some regrets.

Speaking with Sports Illustrated, Kelce noted that he will regret not playing alongside Saquon Barkley, the new Philadelphia Eagles running back. Kelce retired in March 2024 while Barkley joined the Eagles in the off-season from the New York Giants. It is safe to say that Barkley has made some instant impact for the Eagles.

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Saquon Barkley debuted for the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, spearheading their win. The Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers in the first-ever NFL game in Brazil.

He recorded three touchdowns on his debut, becoming the first Eagles player to do so since Terrell Owens in 2004. The player has since caught the eyes of many, including LeBron James.

Kelce noted that it is once in a lifetime that one gets to play with someone as special as Saquon Barkley. The ex-Philly center said that he is complaining to Eagles executive VP Howie Roseman about not bringing Barkley earlier.

I tell Howie [Roseman] all the time, 'Why did you wait until I'm retired to add a piece like this?
Jason Kelce said

He acknowledged he had played with some great players, taking up the names of LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles. Jason Kelce said he is grateful for that, but he wished that playing with a guy like Barkley would have been “nice.”

Saquon Barkley admits Giants’ departure fueled his motivation

Barkley readily admitted the sting of being let go by the New York Giants this offseason, although he said there’s no beef with them. Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, Barkley acknowledged the chip on his shoulder after the whole saga with the Giants.

Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley (Image via AP)
Did it leave a little chip on my shoulder? Did it hurt a little bit? Yeah, of course. But I'm thankful for the opportunity.
Saquon Barkley said on The Rich Eisen Show

He said that it hurt that after six years the Giants let him walk in free agency. While the Giants’ decision surely added fuel to the fire, Barkley seems guided by a long-standing desire to prove his worth.

Now the Eagles are on a winning start, while the Giants suffered a heavy loss against the Minnesota Vikings. Despite all these, Barkley said he reached out to QB Daniel Jones and hoped that they would bounce back from the loss.