My Feelings are Roughly the Same”: Jared Verse on his Blunt, Respectful Return to Philadelphia

 

The narrative around Los Angeles Rams star defender Jared Verse and his relationship with Philadelphia is a fascinating one, a mix of brash confidence, open dislike, and a surprising amount of mutual respect. Ahead of his return to Lincoln Financial Field, Verse, in his characteristically blunt fashion, has made it clear that his feelings for the Eagles’ fanbase haven’t changed, but neither has his respect for their energy and passion.

The “I Hate Eagles Fans” Origin Story

The saga began in January of 2025, just before the Rams and Eagles were set to face off in a high-stakes NFC divisional-round playoff game. The Rams’ first-round pick, who grew up in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, just a couple of hours from Philadelphia, sent a jolt through the NFL world with a simple, honest statement. “I hate Eagles fans,” Verse told the Los Angeles Times. “They’re so annoying. I hate Eagles fans.”

He went on to explain his genuine, almost visceral reaction to the team and its fans, a dislike that had formed long before he ever wore a Rams uniform. “When I see that green and white, I hate it,” he said. “I actually get upset. Like I actually genuinely get hot.” He recalled his first encounter with Eagles fans at SoFi Stadium, where they “rained down obscenities” on him, seemingly confirming his long-held priors.

The comments, predictably, set off a firestorm in Philadelphia. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who had a long history of playing against the Eagles as a member of the New York Giants, even weighed in, saying it was “probably not the smartest thing to say when you’re coming to Philadelphia.”

Respect for a City that “Stands on Business”

Despite the pre-game bravado and the guaranteed hostile reception he received, Verse backed up his talk on the field. In a dominant performance in a snowy Lincoln Financial Field, he sacked Jalen Hurts twice and was a constant disruptive force, a one-man wrecking crew that nearly derailed the Eagles’ Super Bowl run. The Rams ultimately lost, but Verse’s performance earned him something more valuable than a win: the respect of the Eagles’ fanbase.

That respect is something Verse has not forgotten. As he prepares to return to Philadelphia for the first time since that game, he has reflected on his unique relationship with the city. While he maintains his distaste for the fans, he has also praised them for their passion and their willingness to “stand on business.”

“My feelings are roughly the same, but like it is with everyone, I respect people that not only respect me, but that stand on business,” Verse said. “They stood on business with the situation. They came with their energy. After the game, I tipped my hat off to them. They tipped it back.” He has even gone so far as to call the Eagles’ fanbase the “best opposing fan base” in the NFL, a testament to his appreciation for their aggressive, in-your-face energy.

The Heartbeat of the Rams’ Defense

Jared Verse’s boisterous personality and his ability to back up his talk have made him a fan favorite in Los Angeles and a central figure in the Rams’ defense. While he hasn’t yet recorded a sack in his sophomore season, defensive coordinator Chris Shula has praised his presence and his ability to open up opportunities for his teammates. He is the kind of player who can get in an opponent’s head and force them into mistakes, a skill that is just as valuable as a sack.

The Rams’ defense, which lost a generational talent in Aaron Donald, is in a state of transition. But with Verse and fellow pass rusher Byron Young leading the charge, they are building a new identity, one built on aggression, energy, and a relentless motor. Verse’s return to Philadelphia is more than just a game; it’s a new chapter in a budding rivalry, and it’s a chance for him to prove, once again, that his words are just as powerful as his play on the field.