Video: Eli Manning Explains Prank Shoving Grass and Dirt in Saquon Barkley's Mouth

Saquon Barkley is arguably the best running back in the NFL and will take the field for Sunday's Super Bowl as the Philadelphia Eagles' go-to offensive weapon.

But there was a time when even he was a rookie being pranked by then-teammate Eli Manning on the New York Giants.

During an appearance on Thursday's episode of the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce (34:45 mark), Manning was asked about a rookie prank he pulled on Barkley.

Jason Kelce explained that Barkley previously said his "welcome to the NFL moment" was when Manning shoved grass in his mouth, and the podcast host was looking for confirmation from the retired quarterback.

Manning said he used to prank rookies by asking them if they had their wisdom teeth removed and then asking to see. When they opened their mouths, he said, "I've got a big clump of grass and dirt in my hand, and I just throw it in there. I've gotten like three or four guys in that first practice."

Barkley and Manning played together for the 2018 and 2019 seasons in New York.

The star running back announced his presence to the NFL as the Offensive Rookie of the Year during that first campaign with a head-turning 2,028 yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns.

With those numbers, maybe other rookies should try having grass and dirt shoved in their mouth before starting their NFL careers.