It wouldn’t be the NFL playoffs without some fierce rivalry between players and fans, and Los Angeles Rams rookie Jared Verse may have just ensured a lifetime of animosity whenever he steps into Philadelphia.
Verse, a standout outside linebacker and the only rookie defensive player to earn a Pro Bowl selection, didn’t hold back in his criticism of Eagles fans before his team heads to Philly for their NFC Divisional Round matchup on Sunday.
“I hate Eagles fans … they’re so annoying,” Verse told Gary Klein of The Los Angeles Times. “When I see that green and white I hate it. I actually get upset. Like I actually genuinely get hot.”
In their Week 12 encounter, the Rams were treated like the visitors despite being at home in Los Angeles, as Eagles fans seemed to dominate the atmosphere. The Rams lost 37-20 in a game where the Eagles’ fan presence was undeniable.
Adding an interesting layer to this rivalry is the fact that Verse hails from Pennsylvania, growing up just two hours away from Philadelphia in Bloomsburg.
Verse: A Game-Changer for the Rams
The reason behind Verse’s fiery comments is simple — he can back it up with his on-field performance.
Verse was drafted in the first round (No. 19 overall) by the Rams in 2024, marking the first time the team had a first-round pick since 2016 when they selected quarterback Jared Goff at No. 1. The seven-season gap without a first-round pick was tied for the longest streak in NFL history.
Verse’s college journey began at Albany, an FCS school, before ending as a two-time All-American with Florida State, where he accumulated 18 sacks in two seasons.
As a rookie, Verse has been a standout for the Rams with 66 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 18 QB hits, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 11 tackles for loss. He’s also the odds-on favorite to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, according to VegasInsider.com.
In the Rams’ NFC Wild Card victory over the Minnesota Vikings, Verse made a key 57-yard fumble return for a touchdown, contributing to the Rams’ record-setting 9 sacks in the game.
Verse’s Frustration with Eagles Fans and Barkley’s Dominance
Verse’s hostility toward Eagles fans might also stem from the difficult experience the Rams’ defense had in their previous meeting with the Eagles, especially in stopping All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley.
Despite a season where Barkley reached over 2,000 rushing yards — just the ninth player in NFL history to do so — his most dominant performance came against the Rams. In that game, Barkley rushed for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns on 26 carries, averaging 9.8 yards per carry. He also had 4 receptions for 47 yards.
Verse, who hasn’t recorded a sack since Week 10 against the Miami Dolphins, had 7 tackles in the Rams’ loss to the Eagles.
