Tisch: He’s as impressive off the field as on the field
The expectations for Saquon Barkley on the field cannot be overstated. The Giants believe with the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft they selected a generational talent at running back. The burgeoning expectations are not limited to the field.
“His background is impressive, he’s humble, he’s grateful, he’s generous with sharing his success, he acknowledges sort of the God-given talent he has,’’ Steve Tisch, the Giants’ coowner, said Saturday after attending Barkley’s introductory press conference. “It’s very impressive. I keep reminding myself this is a 21-year-old.
“I’ve got five kids and he’s a role model, I think he’s gonna be a role model for his generation. It’s a lot of responsibility to ask of a 21-year-old, to be a role model, and I’m not suggesting he needs to take that responsibility. But I think just because of who he is and the team he[s playing for he’s gonna probably accept that responsibility and I think he’s going to be extremely impressive.’’
Role model for his generation is a tall order, even for a mega-prospect such as Barkley. He arrives as a rookie in name only, as his stardom is already established — his No. 26 Giants jersey is already a top-seller — and his new team did nothing to hush the hype when general manager Dave Gettleman said of Barkley, “It’s like he was touched by the hand of God.’’
Tisch would not go as far as to anoint Barkley as the new face of the franchise.
“Looking into the next 10 years, I think there will be a lot of faces to this franchise,’’ Tisch said. “I want to look at the Giants starting this season as really being sort of a new chapter. With the new head coach, new GM, some great free agents, fantastic rookies, this is a new team on and off the field, in the front office and it’s very exciting. I don’t want to say there’s gonna be one face of the New York Giants, there are a lot of faces of the New York Giants.’’
Barkley’s face can light up a room and the Giants anticipate his uncommon blend of speed and power will tear up the field.
“Coming here he’s a known, not an unknown but if you’ve listened to him he seems so balanced and focused, mature, his priorities seem very in place, very appropriate, extremely respectful, makes references to his parents, his family,’’ Tisch said. “That’s a young guy who’s grown up in a very functional environment and I think that’s going to translate to the Giants, especially in the locker room. Even as a 21year-old rookie, his influence in the locker room is going to be very impressive.’’