Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Jared Verse fears not the scorn of Philadelphia Eagles fans.
The Defensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner, who attended three years of high school in Pennsylvania, admitted his distaste for Eagles fans.
“I hate Eagles fans,” Verse told Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times on Thursday. “They’re so annoying. I hate Eagles fans.”
Verse attended Central Columbia High School in Bloomberg, Pennsylvania. He was a tight end on the football team before attending Albany College, where he made his shift to defense. He transferred to Florida State and ultimately became a Rams first-round pick.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley caught wind of Verse's comments on Friday, indicating that wasn't such a good idea ahead of the Rams
Verse has been sensational as a rookie, generating 4.5 sacks but forcing 76 QB pressures, fourth-most among all defenders in the NFL.
Verse said that when he faced Philly in Week 12 at SoFi Stadium in L.A., some Eagles fans rained down obscenities before the game. The interaction appeared to confirm the rookie’s priors.
“I didn’t even do nothing to ‘em,” he said. “It was my first time playing. Oh, I hate Eagles fans... When I see that green and white, I hate it. I actually get upset. Like I actually genuinely get hot.”
After Thursday’s comments, Verse should prepare for an even louder and more hostile welcoming when the Rams head to Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday for the Divisional Round.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley indicated as much when catching wind of Verse's comments on Friday.
"Probably not the smartest thing to say when you're coming to Philadelphia," Barkley said, via ESPN. "I've been on the other side [as a member of the New York Giants] and even if I felt some type of way, I probably wouldn't give them any extra fuel. I'm pretty sure Philly fans have seen that comment. It was already going to be loud and rocking so it's just only going to add to it."