Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has been named the cover athlete for EA Sports’ Madden NFL 26, marking a significant milestone as the first Eagles player to grace the cover since Donovan McNabb in 2006. The cover captures Barkley’s iconic reverse hurdle over Jacksonville Jaguars defender Jarrian Jones during his standout Week 9 performance in the 2024 season, a moment that epitomized his dominance.
A Historic 2024 Season
Barkley’s 2024 season was nothing short of legendary. He shattered the NFL single-season rushing record with an astonishing 2,504 yards, eclipsing Terrell Davis’ previous mark, and racked up 18 touchdowns. His electrifying play was instrumental in leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory, earning him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award and a coveted spot in the Madden NFL ’99 Club, reserved for the game’s elite players.
The Shadow of the Madden Curse
Despite the accolades, Barkley’s selection as the Madden NFL 26 cover athlete has sparked concern among Eagles fans due to the infamous “Madden Curse.” This superstition suggests that players featured on the game’s cover often face a decline in performance or suffer injuries in the following season. Recent examples fuel this apprehension, such as Christian McCaffrey, who appeared on the Madden 25 cover and played only four games in 2024 due to injuries. While some players, like Patrick Mahomes, who shared the Madden 22 cover with Tom Brady, have defied the curse with continued excellence, the fear persists.
Barkley, however, remains undeterred. “It’s a dream come true,” he said of the cover honor, emphasizing his focus on preparation and performance to build on his historic season. His confidence is a beacon for Eagles fans, but the specter of the curse looms large.
Philadelphia Celebrates Its Star
Honored to be on the cover of @EAMaddenNFL 🙏🏾. Huge thank you to all the fans showing love and support, especially my Philly family! Hope you all enjoy the game! Fly Eagles Fly 🦅
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) June 2, 2025
In celebration of Barkley’s achievement, Philadelphia’s iconic Geno’s Steaks temporarily rebranded as “Steakquon’s” and introduced a themed cheesesteak called “The Hurdle.” Priced at $16, the sandwich comes with a commemorative cup, delighting fans and showcasing the city’s pride in its star running back.
High Expectations for 2025
As the Eagles gear up for the 2025 season, expectations are sky-high. With much of the Super Bowl-winning roster intact, including quarterback Jalen Hurts and star wide receiver A.J. Brown, the team is poised for another deep playoff run. Head coach Nick Sirianni plans to lean heavily on the ground game, making Barkley the centerpiece of the offense. Analysts predict the Eagles will remain strong contenders to repeat as champions, provided they can avoid injuries and maintain consistency on both offense and defense.
Madden NFL 26 and Beyond
Madden NFL 26 is set to release on August 14, 2025, and anticipation is building among fans eager to see Barkley’s virtual dominance in the game. As the Eagles prepare for a grueling season, all eyes will be on Barkley to see if he can defy the Madden Curse and continue his reign as one of the NFL’s premier running backs. For now, Philadelphia holds its breath, hoping their star can hurdle both defenders and superstition alike.