Jared Verse grew up a few hours north of Philadelphia, and during his high school days, he heard a lot about Eagles fans. Now, as a rookie edge rusher for the Los Angeles Rams, he is taking that experience with him into Sunday’s NFC divisional game.
“I hate Eagles fans,” Verse told Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times this week. “They’re so annoying. I hate Eagles fans.”
Verse had his first real experience with Eagles fans during the Rams’ Week 12 loss to Philadelphia at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Eagles supporters in the stands booed him before the game, and he hasn’t forgotten that moment.
“I didn’t even do nothing to ’em,” said Verse, who had seven tackles in the game. “It was my first time playing. Oh, I hate Eagles fans. … When I see that green and white, I hate it. I actually get upset. Like I actually genuinely get hot.”
This Sunday, Verse will face a full stadium of Eagles fans at Lincoln Financial Field. After hearing his comments, it’s clear that Verse will be public enemy number one during the game, especially if the outcome mirrors Week 12, when Saquon Barkley scored twice and ran for a franchise-record 255 yards, including 72- and 70-yard touchdown runs.
Verse acknowledged that he played a role in Barkley’s big day, saying he tried to do too much in trying to stop Barkley and the Eagles’ offense. This time, Verse will have a tough challenge ahead, going up against the Eagles’ offensive line, which includes All-Pros Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.
Despite that, Verse did have a standout moment against Mailata earlier this season, nearly recording a sack on quarterback Jalen Hurts.
“I remember when I got flat-backed,” Mailata said this week. “It was a good rush by him. The guy plays with a high motor. I think he plays well, he plays hard. He’s got some great moves. … To be fair, I got a couple on him too. Good on good.”
Verse had a successful college career, playing at Albany and Florida State before being selected by the Rams in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His standout rookie season earned him a Pro Bowl nod and likely secured him a spot as a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
He finished the regular season with 66 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He was also fourth in the NFL with 76 quarterback pressures. His ability to disrupt offenses continued in the Rams’ 27-9 wild-card win over the Minnesota Vikings, where he had two tackles and a fumble return for a touchdown.
A win on Sunday in front of a hostile crowd of Eagles fans would put Verse and the Rams one win away from the Super Bowl. That would be a strong response to the criticism that he expects to receive.
No matter how the game turns out, Verse will have to face Eagles fans again soon. The two teams are on each other’s schedules for the 2025 season, with the Rams scheduled to visit Philadelphia.
For now, Verse is focused on helping the Rams take the next step toward a championship.
“I’m going to go crazy,” Verse said. “It’s going to be something.”
