Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley did two things to cheer up a young fan: he signed her jersey and then he tore up the Washington Commanders defense.
Pre-game video captured a moment when Barkley saw a young girl holding his jersey and asking for an autograph.
The running back agreed, signed the jersey and then handed it back to her before heading to the locker room to get ready for Thursday night’s game.
Pictures afterwards showed the girl shedding tears of joy before being hugged by her father.
Barkley then had a field day on Commander’s defense as he tore up the field en route to a 26-18 win.
He had 26 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns — and even added two catches for 52 yards to his total.
After signing a fan jersey, Saquon Barkley had a field day – rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns
In a battle between the top two teams in the NFC East, Philadelphia was able to extend their record to 8-2, while Washington fell to 7-4.
The game started slowly, with the Eagles missing a field goal, followed by back-to-back punts before the Commanders struck first.
Washington moved efficiently and reached the Eagles’ doorstep before running back Brian Robinson punched in a touchdown to go up 7-0.
After missing another field goal, Eagles kicker Jake Elliott finally converted a punt on Philadelphia’s final drive of the half, keeping the score at 7-3 at the end of two quarters.
Philadelphia then scored on every drive they had in the second half.
The teams traded field goals before Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts capped an 11-play, 76-yard drive with a push-push touchdown to go up 12-10.
The next Philly drive ended with a 23-yard rumble from Barkley to take a 19-10 lead.
After commanding QB Jayden Daniels made a pick on the next play after the touchdown, the Eagles went back to Barkley twice — first for a seven-yard gain, then a 39-yard dash to the end zone to go up 26-10.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (L) and Barkley (R) after the game
On Washington’s late comeback attempt, Daniels came into contact with former Eagles tight end Zach Ertz.
The Commanders converted the two-point attempt, but were unable to recover the onside kick.
Philadelphia is currently second in the NFC at 8-2 and is in pole position to win the division title. They next play on the road against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football.
As for Washington, they will take on the division rival Dallas Cowboys at home next Sunday.