They Call It Late Night: a new reason for football fans to ditch sleep and tune in. Former Eagles star Jason Kelce’s new ESPN late-night show doesn’t just entertain. It’s pure gridiron gold! And when your opening roster includes Charles Barkley, you know laughs—and maybe a few heated debates—are on the play sheet.

Case in point: their fiery exchange about Saquon Barkley. It was less of a chat and more of a two-minute drill. Kelce threw the first pass: “Charles, as a man who’s set records, what do you think of the decision to sit Saquon?” Barkley, never one to fumble a response, shot back: “As a jack–s on TV—which you are now—I think it’s the right move. If Saquon went out and got hurt, we’d kill them for it. That’s our job!”

Classic Chuck, weaving wisdom with humor as he said he was glad with the decision. But what’s up with Kelce? Well, being an ex-Center you can understand his mentality too when he said: “As a player, I would want to go for it… But I would understand the decision.” Not a surprise, eh? Kelce wants him to scramble for every single snap!

However, he did say if he was a coach, he’d rest everybody up! And guess that’s what Nick Sirianni has decided to do. Rest his star who’s potentially on an MVP run! But that’s what is hurting. Isn’t it Eagles Nation? See, the thing is, Saquon is breaking records like they’re soft coverage. Over 2,000 rushing yards and the Eagles riding high at 13-3? This isn’t just good football; it’s a dream season in Philly.

Sure, Kelce sees the two sides to the coin… But right now, he’s stuck on ONE outcome: “As a fan, I want them to go for it. The rushing record isn’t just cool; it’s iconic. It’s the 100-meter dash of football!” And he’s right. Breaking a record held by legends like Jim Brown and Eric Dickerson would cement this season—and Barkley—in history.

Even LeSean McCoy seconds Jason Kelce’s thought process

No one’s saying Saquon Barkley begged to sit out the season finale. But for Jason Kelce, a guy who’s racked up 145 consecutive starts, the idea of benching your star player with history on the line? That’s a tough pill to swallow. Kelce is the epitome of toughness. Just ask Lane Johnson, who said, “He’s tough as a shovel.”

Plus, Kelce’s streak, unmatched grit, and loyalty to the Eagles embody what Philly fans live for. So, seeing Barkley sidelined to ‘rest up’ for the playoffs doesn’t sit well with him—or with former Eagle LeSean McCoy.

McCoy minced no words about Nick Sirianni’s decision. “It’s a mistake,” he said. But he’s not wrong. Barkley was just 101 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record, a milestone that’s stood untouched since 1984. Now, imagine having the chance to etch your name in football’s Mount Rushmore. But it is not to be as you have been told: “Nah, maybe next time.”

However, McCoy, ever the competitor, couldn’t hold back. “Play that game, man. This is bigger than Saquon Barkley. It’s his record, but it’s history. Forty years and no one’s broken it.” And honestly, how many times does the universe line up this perfectly? Barkley, the Giants, and a shot at redemption all in one game? You couldn’t script it better if you tried.

With the playoffs looming, Sirianni’s choice to rest starters makes sense from a strategic standpoint. But for fans, players, and even Barkley himself, the what if will linger. Football isn’t just a game—it’s a story. And Barkley’s chapter feels unfinished.