Giants owner John Mara reaches out to Saquon Barkley, makes feelings clear on $37,750,000 RB's commercial trolling franchise

New York Giants co-owner John Mara revealed his unexpected reaction to Saquon Barkley's Unisom commercial. The ad playfully mocked Mara's candid "Hard Knocks" admission about losing sleep over Barkley joining Philadelphia.

Barkley's shift from Giants cornerstone to Eagles superstar has reshaped the NFC East rivalry. His three-year $37,750,000 contract with Philadelphia immediately paid dividends, as he amassed 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns across 16 games, at a stellar 5.8 yards per carry.

Barkley finished the season just 101 yards shy of Eric Dickerson's all-time rushing record. He was rested for the final game of the season when the Eagles took on the Giants.

During an impromptu press conference on Monday, Mara shared details about his pregame phone call to Barkley.

"I called him before the game and told him I was very upset with him based on our relationship of so many years," Mara said. "The least you could have done is ask me to be in the commercial with you. I said, 'I could have been tossing and turning and it would have been a great thing.' I said, 'There is an acting gene in our family. It's not just my nieces.'"

The commercial showed Barkley singing a pointed lullaby.

"Rockabye baby awake in your bed as the thought of 2,000 swirls in your head. It sure is tough to lose sleep over football; not for me, though," Barkley sang.

He even appeared as a counting sheep, jumping over a fence.

Saquon Barkley's record chase to commercial clash

NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles - Source: Imagn

Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni's decision to rest Saquon Barkley in Week 18 drew criticism from former NFL stars Todd Gurley II and Brian Westbrook.

ESPN's Tedy Bruschi highlighted the missed opportunity on "Sunday NFL Countdown."

"I think it was a lock," Bruschi said. "You're playing the Giants. He averaged 10 yards a carry the last time he played them. Can you get it in the half, and get him out?"

Barkley, however, said he was not too bothered at missing out on the record and wanted to ensure the team was in the best position heading into the playoffs.

"At the end of the day, I don't care for putting the team at risk," Barkley told reporters on Wednesday.

Ahead of the game, he wore a "2K Sa" shirt featuring Eagles' offensive linemen.