Mutual respect still flies for Verse, Eagles

The Rams' edge rusher says his feelings toward Philadelphia and its fan base haven't changed, but he has 'respect for all of them'

- By Gary Klein

SECOND-YEAR defender Jared Verse had two of the Rams' seven sacks in last season's divisional playoff loss.

Nothing but respect.

That's what Rams edge rusher Jared Verse professed Thursday when asked about returning to play the Philadelphia Eagles before their fans at Lincoln Financial Field.

Verse, the Rams' top pick in the 2024 NFL draft, sent shock waves through the NFL last January when he said before an NFC divisional-round game that he hated Eagles fans and indicated that the team's green and white uniforms triggered him.

On game day, Verse encouraged and welcomed the colorful verbiage that came his way, and he recorded two of the Rams' seven sacks in a 28-22 defeat.

Verse's words might have incited the Eagles' faithful, but based on fan reaction a week later before their team played the Washington Commanders in the NFC championship, Verse earned huge respect.

"My feelings are roughly the same," Verse said, chuckling. "But like it is with everybody, I respect people that not only respect me but that stand on business. They stood on business with the situation. They came with their energy.