Jon Runyan Jr. is ready for his first taste of the rivalry between the New York Giants and Eagles

Offensive lineman Jon Runyan Jr. may be in his first season as a New York Giant, but he knows the drill as well as the most seasoned veterans who have seen the wars.

That’s because he is the son of former Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jon Runyan Sr., who played in 19 games against Big Blue during his 14-year NFL career.

In many games played between 1996 and 2009, the elder Runyan faced Giants Hall of Fame defensive end Michael Strahan, whose legendary rivalry led to a lifelong friendship.

The elder Runyan will be a prospect this Sunday as his son faces his former team as a member of the Giants, but prior commitments will prevent him from attending the game in person.

“He’s excited,” Runyan Jr. said of his father. “He won’t be at the game. He has to work this Sunday, just like most Sundays, but I brought a lot of family and friends from the area. They’ll all be wearing Giants gear, otherwise they’re not allowed to be near us, but everyone is excited. As I said, a lot of people come. This is a big deal.

“I obviously became a huge Eagles fan as a little kid, but work took me somewhere else and now I’m the biggest Giants fan in the world, so I’m looking forward to the weekend ahead.”

Runyan Jr. was asked if his father prepared him for the heated rivalry that dates back to 1933.

“No, not really, but I’m obviously a big NFC East fan,” said Runyan Jr., who grew up in the Philadelphia area. “If the Eagles or Giants don’t play, the Cowboys or Commanders will broadcast. I always watched that one o’clock window and just always watched NFC East football. I grew up with this and I know how hot it is now and how close everyone is.

“Personally, I have a lot of my family in Texas, so they’re all Cowboys fans, and that made me hate the Cowboys even more. That influences a lot of what is happening now. I feel like I’m at home back in the NFC East, I’m really enjoying it.”

The Giants know where his loyalties lie right now and are counting on Runyan Jr., who has made every offensive shot this season, to continue his solid play this Sunday.