As Saquon Barkley, the Giants star running back, jogged from the huddle during a team drill Wednesday at a training camp practices, the couple hundred fans in attendance chanted his name in rhythmic cadence.
He did not seem to react, simply trotting to his position in the backfield.
Their jubilation was shared by teammates who felt a measure of relief that Barkley had even shown up. After nearly a year of negotiations, the Giants and Barkley failed to reach a long-term deal by the July 17 deadline, prompting speculation that Barkley might sit out part or all of training camp and the regular season in protest.