Saquon Barkley Refuses to Wear NFL’s Golden Logo Patch, Calls Success a Team Honor
Philadelphia, PA – September 3, 2025
This season, the NFL introduced a rare honor: a golden league logo patch stitched onto jerseys of players who captured awards at the NFL Honors. Among the chosen five was Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year.
But while others may embrace the gold, Barkley has made it clear he won’t wear the patch on game days. His decision isn’t rooted in defiance, but in principle — a commitment to team above self, something he says defines his journey in Philadelphia.
“I respect the honor, but I can’t wear the gold patch. What we’ve built in Philadelphia isn’t about me — it’s about this entire team, every teammate, every coach, and every fan. The success belongs to all of us, not just one.”
No player has ever turned down the patch before, making Barkley’s refusal unprecedented. Though the NFL has not commented on potential repercussions, league insiders speculate fines could follow if his stance holds.
Eagles fans, however, are standing firmly behind him. Social media flooded with support, one post reading: “This is Philly. Forget the gold — Barkley wearing midnight green for us is all that matters.”
For the Eagles, the gesture reflects the culture head coach Nick Sirianni has worked to instill: toughness, unity, and loyalty. Barkley’s move reinforces that in Philadelphia, identity isn’t stitched in fabric, it’s forged on the field and in the city’s heartbeat.
As Week 1 nears, the spotlight isn’t only on Barkley’s ability to break tackles — it’s on his belief that greatness belongs to the collective. In Philadelphia, that message resonates louder than any patch.
Buffalo Bills Re-Sign Impressive Rookie RB to Practice Squad After Clearing Waivers
Buffalo’s roster cutdown brought plenty of difficult decisions, but one move in particular had fans on edge. A promising rookie running back who shined throughout August was waived, sparking immediate concern he might be claimed elsewhere.
The anxiety was justified. His preseason tape showed flashes of burst, versatility, and surprising polish in pass protection. For many fans, letting him hit the open market was a gamble the organization couldn’t afford to lose.
That player is Frank Gore Jr., the undrafted rookie from Marshall and son of legendary NFL running back Frank Gore Sr. After clearing waivers, the Bills moved quickly to re-sign him to their practice squad.
Gore Jr. built his preseason résumé with standout performances against the Giants and Bears. He totaled more than 100 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards across those contests, displaying a dynamic skill set beyond simple ball carrying.
Against New York, Gore Jr. posted 45 rushing yards on just five carries while adding 35 receiving yards. Versus Chicago, he followed with 60 rushing yards and another 30 through the air, reinforcing his versatility as a dual-threat back.
Analytics backed the eye test. Pro Football Focus graded him at 72.5, one of the stronger marks among rookie running backs. Scouts praised his burst speed, vision, and willingness to protect the quarterback in pass-blocking assignments.
Despite the impressive run, roster math worked against him. With James Cook and Ray Davis holding primary roles, Buffalo opted to trim Gore Jr. on cutdown day. Fan frustration spilled across Buffalo Rumblings and social media platforms almost immediately.
The re-signing restores optimism. Bills fans now see a developmental back with Hall of Fame pedigree staying in the building, ready to grow within the system. For Gore Jr., the journey in Buffalo has only just begun.
