Giants' Tyrone Tracy Jr. looks to Saquon Barkley as friend, mentor
Giants running back Tyrone Tracy, left, and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Credit: David Meisenholder; AP / Matt Rourke
Tyrone Tracy Jr. often has talked about wanting to be among the great Giants running backs.
So last summer, after his rookie season, Tracy went and learned from one of the best Giants to do it: Saquon Barkley.
The two made a brief connection last year and Tracy asked Barkley if he could train with him. It offered a deeper look into the mind and approach of one of the NFL’s best players.
“It was eye-opening,” Tracy told Newsday this week. “Because, like, he does a lot of different stuff. He doesn’t just do running back stuff. He does receiver stuff. He does agility, obviously weightlifting, like everyone does that. But he does more than just running back drills so, like, that was good for me to see.”
Tracy was available Thursday night against the Eagles after missing the previous two games with a shoulder injury. It also meant an on-field reunion with Barkley, who has become a good friend during the past year.
It’s a different return for Barkley in his second game back at MetLife Stadium. The first game had all of the hoopla after he spent six seasons with the Giants. He had a memorable return, running for 176 yards and a touchdown in the Eagles’ runaway win.
This time the feelings were different.
“I think the emotions are probably gone,” Barkley told reporters on Tuesday. “I said that last year, that I really didn’t know what to expect being in that environment and seeing everyone back there. I’m a year removed from it now and it is what it is. I’m just focused on getting back on track and getting a big win in the NFC East.”
The Giants have moved forward, too. Tracy began this season as the starting running back and presumably will return to that role. At the same time, he’s appreciated having Barkley as a friend and mentor.
The two don’t talk every day. It’s more like buddies checking in from time to time. Tracy, though, said Barkley’s words helped him understand what it means to be a Giant while also keeping him focused on his personal goals to help the team win.
“Having someone who’s been here, done that, who has done the goals that I want,” Tracy said. “Having that person in your corner to talk to and bounce ideas off of, get advice from all this stuff, different stuff, like, that’s pretty cool.”
The relationship paid off during a low moment in Tracy’s rookie season. He had a costly fumble in overtime that led to the Giants losing to the Panthers in Germany last year.
Tracy was understandably emotional, especially with it being his second fumble of the game. Barkley — who was on his way to running for 2,005 yards, the AP Offensive Player of the Year award and a Super Bowl ring — was among those who reached out to him.
“He basically gave me a little bit of encouragement,” Tracy said. “Let me know that, obviously, he’s here for me. But then also let me know one mistake ain’t gonna define me or my career, so just to keep working.”
The friendship continued through the season, as the two talked sparingly but enough to stay close. It carried through the offseason, and Tracy’s request led to multiple training sessions with Barkley.
It also taught Tracy more about what it will take to follow Barkley’s footsteps with the Giants, but this season could make Tracy’s load easier.
In Tracy’s absence, rookie Cam Skattebo filled in nicely, producing at least 100 all-purpose yards in two of three games. It confirmed what Tracy thought in training camp: that there would be no drop-off when Skattebo played because of his skill set.
“I was saying this on a sideline to him. It’s a price to pay when you’re going to tackle Cam Skattebo,” Tracy said. “And I think it’s the same thing as for me, Motor [Devin Singletary] and whoever’s in there.
“So the way [Skattebo] runs, his attitude, the way he carries the ball, the power he runs with, that’s like the main thing that obviously pops off.”
It’s just one more thing that excited Tracy about being back in uniform. Facing off against Barkley was another. Tracy has gone from admiring him to considering him a friend to lean on.
Given how Barkley will be received by some Giants fans, that’s another goal Tracy is shooting for as he continues to build on his young career.
“I want people to know that ‘29’ is on the field and he’s doing really good things,” Tracy said, referring to his jersey number. “But at the end of the day, I’m gonna just continue to do what I do, continue to put my best foot forward and let the cards lay where they lay.”
Notes & quotes: With Darius Slayton and Malik Nabers out Thursday, the Giants elevated receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey from the practice squad for the first time this season. Linebacker Zaire Barnes also was elevated. Kicker Jude McAtamney and linebacker Neville Hewitt were signed to the active roster.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
