Throughout the matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants on Sunday, rookies Darius Leonard and Saquon Barkley clashed on multiple occasions.

Arguably the top two rookies in the NFL at their positions, Barkley and Leonard were involved in multiple plays pitted against each other. Following the game, the two exchanged jerseys showing a sign of respect for one another.

The feeling was mutual for both rookie sensations.

“Just kind of giving respect. I think he’s a heck of a player and he said kind of the same to me. I think the fact that he didn’t make it into the Pro Bowl, I really don’t agree with that. When you’re a rookie and you lead the NFL in tackles, you should be mentioned,” Barkley told the New York media Sunday. “To be able to play him and obviously we’ll have more games against each other. To see him live, he’s as good as advertised.”

The Colts were able to shut down Barkley for the most part despite the fact that he’s been one of the best running backs in the NFL this season. Though he did score a rushing touchdown, the Colts limited the No. 2 overall pick to 43 yards on 21 carries and only five catches for 34 yards in the passing game.

Still, Leonard recognized after the game that Barkley’s talent is the real deal while having plenty of respect for the running back.

“He’s a great baller, just nothing for respect for Saquon,” Leonard said following the win while holding Barkley’s jersey.

Leonard finished the game leading both teams with nine tackles and his eight solo tackles were more than any defender on the field, which simply adds to his league-leading totals.

It isn’t often that two of the top rookies line up across from each other, but there is great respect between the star players.

Given their talent and youth, there will likely be plenty more of this matchup in the future as both players grow their games to maintain their statuses as the leaders at their positions.