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Saquon Barkley hits back at Tiki Barber after ex-Giants standout says 'you're dead to me'

One former New York Giants running back took the departure of Saquon Barkley to heart.

Former Giant-turned-radio-personality Tiki Barber said Monday that Barkley was "dead to us" after he agreed to a three-year deal with the Giants' NFC East rival, the Philadelphia Eagles.

"He's dead to us," Barber said on local New York sports radio station WFAN, where he co-hosts the afternoon drive show alongside Evan Roberts. "You're dead to me."

The comments quickly circulated on social media and caught the attention of Barkley, who fired back via a post on X: "you’re the prime example of loyalty to a team.. I got the deal I wanted, secured more (guaranteed money) which wasn’t given to me before… so if fans are gonna hate me for that so be it! But I never turned my back on my teammates and always had theirs."

Barkley added: "You been a hater since I got to New York … and all the 'Dead to me' talk don’t smile in my face when you see me."

Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2018 draft, spent the first six seasons of his career with the Giants.

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) reacts after being stopped short of a first down by the New York Jets in the second half at MetLife Stadium.
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) reacts after being stopped short of a first down by the New York Jets in the second half at MetLife Stadium.

Barber was a three-time Pro Bowl running back with New York from 1997-2006 but abruptly retired prior to the 2007 season. The Giants went on to win the Super Bowl that year while Barber attempted to start his media career.

“That Saquon would even contemplate going to play for that team in Philadelphia is insulting to his Giants legacy,” Barber said regarding Barkley's pending free agency last week, according to the New York Post.

Barber added: “Do not go to the Eagles, because if you do that appreciation and respect and reverence that we all have for you, Saquon, will be lost. It will be gone. We want to still respect and love him.”

Barkley thanked Giants fans in a social media post earlier Monday.

Thank you to everyone who has shown me love and support over the past 6 years ... forever grateful!" he wrote on X. "Excited for the next chapter."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Saquon Barkley, Tiki Barber clash over RB's departure from Giants