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Jaguars CB Jarrian Jones drops bombshell confession about his infamous Madden 26 appearance.

Posted on June 11, 2025 - 9:47 am by

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley graces the cover of Madden 26, but he’s not the only player featured. Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones also appears, albeit without his name or jersey number visible. The iconic image captures Barkley leaping backward over Jones in a jaw-dropping play from their Week 9 clash in the 2024 season, a moment that quickly became a highlight-reel classic.

While some speculated that Jones might feel embarrassed about being immortalized in such a play, the young cornerback addressed the buzz with refreshing candor after the Jaguars’ first day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Far from being upset, Jones embraced the moment with a grin. “Shit was kind of hard, for real,” he said. “I’ve seen it. I don’t have Twitter, so I saw it on Instagram. I was like, damn, they didn’t put my number on there. The play was fire to me. Everybody [direct messaged] me like I was going to be mad or something. I don’t give a damn. He made a good play, it is what it is.”

When asked if he wished his jersey number had been included on the cover, Jones quipped with a laugh, “They got to pay me for it. But I don’t care, really. I don’t really play Madden anyways.” His lighthearted response shows he’s unfazed by the spotlight, shrugging off any potential embarrassment with the confidence of a player focused on his craft.

There’s no shame in being on the receiving end of a spectacular play by a star like Barkley, and Jones’ attitude reflects his maturity. The second-year cornerback has bigger goals in mind, like building on his promising 2024 rookie season. Last year, Jones recorded 40 total tackles, eight passes defensed, and one interception. His performance earned him a 69.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, and he ranked sixth out of 222 cornerbacks in run defense grade. Having started four games in 2024, Jones is now vying for a permanent starting role with the Jaguars in 2025.

As Jones focuses on his development and the upcoming season, his good-natured take on the Madden 26 cover proves he’s got the mindset to handle both the highs and lows of the NFL with grace.