Saquon Barkley has been named the cover star for Madden NFL 26.
EA Sports has named Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26, honoring a milestone season that included a Super Bowl title, 2,005 rushing yards, and a viral moment that has been lifted straight from a video game.
The 28-year-old Barkley is the ninth player in NFL history to surpass the 2,000-yard milestone in a season.
He is the newest member of the elite “Madden 99 Club,” the game’s highest rating level, and the last player to lead the iconic franchise.
The cover reveal was accompanied by a now-iconic photo: Barkley in the air performing a reverse hurdle on Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarion Jones during a Week 9 clash.
When Barkley turned away from the defender, the move was widely shared online and hailed as one of the most stunning plays of the season.
“Saccone’s reverse interception was one of the rare, defining moments in NFL history that was once described as ‘something like a video game,’” said Evan Dexter, vice president of franchise strategy and marketing for EA Sports Madden NFL.
In a promotional video released with the announcement, Barkley talked about his journey from gamer to cover athlete. “Last season was everything,” he said. “Winning the Super Bowl, creating iconic moments. It starts with imagination — from being a kid, reliving those moments, playing video games, and saying, ‘Why can’t I do that in real life?’”
The former New York Giants star credits his breakout campaign with building a new team culture. Barkley played a key role in the Eagles' title run and totaled 15 touchdowns throughout the season.
EA Sports said the upcoming version of Madden NFL will offer the most realistic simulation yet. "It's a showcase of the athleticism and creativity of one of football's most electrifying athletes," Dexter said. The game will be released on August 14, 2025, and pre-orders are now open.
"I'm grateful to my teammates, coaches, and Eagles fans for their support, and I can't wait to get back on the field to give the Madden players more highlight-reel moments."
For Philadelphia fans, all that's left now is to hope that the fabled "Madden Curse" doesn't strike.
"After just a year, he became so beloved that he instantly blended into this city, and it's amazing," Rick Etches said.
Saquon Barkley describes how he recreated his backwards hurdle for the Madden 26 cover |
Thank you very much for helping me.
0 Comments