In a moment that defined the 2024 NFL season, Saquon Barkley’s jaw-dropping reverse hurdle over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones became the stuff of legend, earning its place as the cover art for Madden NFL 26. While the iconic play could have been a source of embarrassment for the young defender, Jones revealed a surprising secret during minicamp that turned heads: he’s not only unfazed by the viral moment but finds it downright fire.
“I seen it and I was like, ‘Damn, they didn’t put my number on there?’” Jones quipped with a grin on Tuesday. “The play was fire, to me. Everybody DM’d 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.”
The unforgettable highlight unfolded in the second quarter of a Week 9 clash. Barkley, then with the Philadelphia Eagles, caught a pass out of the backfield on third-and-6, spun past one defender, and launched himself backward over Jones in a gravity-defying display of athleticism. The play exploded across social media, cementing Barkley’s historic 2024 campaign, which saw him amass a league-leading 2,005 rushing yards, claim Offensive Player of the Year honors, and hoist the Super Bowl LIX trophy.
But the real bombshell? Jones, a third-round pick from Florida State, isn’t letting the moment define him negatively. Instead, he’s leaning into the spotlight with a mix of humor and humility that’s rare in the high-ego world of the NFL. He even dropped a playful hint that he’d be happy to embrace his role in the Madden cover—if EA Sports cuts him a check. “I need something off that if I’m going to be in the photo,” he laughed.
Jones’ maturity shines through in his perspective. Rather than dwelling on being the “victim” of Barkley’s highlight, he acknowledges the brilliance of the play and moves forward. “It is what it is,” he said. “He made a great play.” This mindset sets him apart in a league where pride can often overshadow professionalism.
On the field, Jones proved he’s no slouch. The rookie cornerback racked up 40 combined tackles, two sacks, and an interception while starting four games in 2024. With Jacksonville’s new defensive coordinator likely to expand his role in 2025, Jones is poised to create his own highlight-reel moments.
His reaction to being on the wrong end of one of the year’s most iconic plays speaks volumes about his character. Jones understands that greatness sometimes requires two players to make a moment unforgettable—and he’s ready to write his own story in the seasons to come. With his athletic talent and unshakable mindset, don’t be surprised when Jarrian Jones’ name lights up the highlight reels for all the right reasons.