BREAKING: Following Billionaire Elon Musk’s Post on X About the Philadelphia Eagles, Saquon Barkley Urges NFL Fans to Delete the X App to Avoid “Trashy” Posts from Elon Musk, Saying: “This App…”
In a surprising and escalating social media controversy, Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley has publicly urged NFL fans to delete the X app (formerly known as Twitter), after billionaire Elon Musk made what Barkley described as a “trashy and disrespectful” post about the Philadelphia Eagles.
The incident has triggered a firestorm of debate across the sports world and tech community, raising questions about the influence of social media, the role of athletes in public discourse, and the ongoing tension between celebrities and powerful tech moguls.
Elon Musk’s Post Sparks Outrage in Philadelphia
The controversy began when Elon Musk, the owner of X, made a sarcastic post on his platform targeting the Eagles’ recent performance. While Musk didn’t tag any players directly, his message was pointed:
“Can the Eagles actually fly, or do they just fall with style every postseason? Asking for science.”
The comment was met with immediate backlash from Eagles fans, many of whom considered the post not just a joke, but a slight against the team’s hard-earned reputation. While Musk has often used humor and memes in his online persona, this time, it didn’t land well in Philadelphia.
The post quickly went viral, amassing over 15 million views and trending under hashtags like #ElonVsEagles and #DisrespectfulMusk.
Saquon Barkley Fires Back
One of the first players to respond publicly was Saquon Barkley, who has become a vocal leader for the Eagles since signing with the team in 2024. Barkley took to Instagram and Threads to fire back at Musk’s comment — and took it a step further.
“This app is toxic. Billionaires using it to bash athletes and stir chaos,” Barkley wrote. “If you’re a real fan of the game, delete X. Don’t feed the trash.”
He added in a follow-up story:
“We’re working too hard every day to be disrespected by someone who’s never stepped on a football field. This app isn’t helping the game. It’s hurting it.”
Barkley’s call to action — urging fans to leave a major social media platform — quickly went viral itself, with many players and fans echoing his frustration.
Mixed Reactions from the NFL Community
The response to Barkley’s statement was swift and divided. Jalen Hurts, Barkley’s quarterback, posted a cryptic emoji of a trash can, seemingly in support. Former players like Richard Sherman and Torrey Smith came out backing Barkley’s stance, arguing that athletes face disproportionate online hate and mockery, often from powerful figures.
“Saquon said what needed to be said,” Sherman posted. “These platforms used to be for conversation. Now it’s just trolling from the top down.”
However, others defended Musk’s right to speak freely. Skip Bayless, known for his controversial takes, said on his podcast:
“Elon’s post was a joke. If NFL players are too soft to take that, maybe they shouldn’t be on social media at all.”
Some fans accused Barkley of overreacting and pointed out that Musk has mocked other teams and even politicians with similar humor in the past.
The Broader Issue: Athletes vs. Tech Moguls
This clash is part of a growing trend in sports culture, where athletes are becoming more vocal about their mental health and the damaging effects of social media. With Elon Musk’s X increasingly allowing unfiltered and controversial content, many public figures are choosing to distance themselves.
Barkley’s stance adds to a growing conversation about the responsibility of tech CEOs who own platforms that amplify millions of voices — including harmful or divisive ones.
“There’s a difference between free speech and toxic leadership,” said ESPN analyst Mina Kimes. “When you’re running the platform, your words carry power.”
Fan Campaigns Gaining Momentum
In the hours following Barkley’s post, thousands of Eagles fans began deleting their X accounts, posting screenshots under the hashtag #DeleteXForSaquon. Fan accounts and influencers within Eagles Nation encouraged others to join, saying it’s time to support players over platform politics.
One viral post read:
“If Saquon’s willing to take a stand, we should stand with him. Elon doesn’t get to mock our team and face no pushback.”
Final Thoughts
Whether you view it as a social media overreaction or a bold stand against digital toxicity, Saquon Barkley’s message is resonating across the sports world. His willingness to call out one of the most powerful men in tech shows the growing confidence and influence of today’s athlete — both on the field and off.
As the Philadelphia Eagles continue their pursuit of championship glory, the team now finds itself at the center of a culture war between sports, social media, and the billionaires who shape it.
One thing is clear: Barkley isn’t backing down — and neither are his fans.
