Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has been named the cover athlete for EA Sports’ Madden NFL 26, a prestigious honor that marks the first time an Eagles player has graced the cover since Donovan McNabb in 2006. The cover captures Barkley’s jaw-dropping reverse hurdle over Jacksonville Jaguars defender Jarrian Jones during his standout Week 9 performance in the 2024 season. However, this milestone comes with a shadow looming over it: the infamous “Madden Curse.”
A Historic Season for Barkley
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 a cornerstone of the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, earning him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award and a coveted spot in the Madden NFL ’99 Club—a testament to his elite status. Yet, despite these accolades, fans are uneasy, haunted by the specter of the Madden Curse.
The Madden Curse: Fact or Fiction?
The “Madden Curse” is a long-standing superstition among NFL fans, suggesting that players featured on the Madden NFL cover are doomed to face injuries or a dip in performance in the following season. Recent examples fuel this fear. Christian McCaffrey, the Madden NFL 25 cover athlete, suffered an injury-riddled 2024 season, appearing in only four games. While some players, like Patrick Mahomes—who shared the Madden NFL 22 cover with Tom Brady—have defied the curse with continued excellence, others haven’t been so lucky, keeping the debate alive.
Barkley, aware of the superstition, remains unfazed. “It’s a dream come true,” he said, expressing gratitude for the honor while emphasizing his focus on preparation and performance for the upcoming season. Still, the curse’s reputation casts a shadow over his achievement, leaving fans to wonder if Barkley can escape its grasp.
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 Philadelphia, Barkley’s cover feature has sparked citywide excitement. Local institution Geno’s Steaks has temporarily rebranded as “Steakquon’s” to honor the running back, introducing a themed cheesesteak called “The Hurdle.” Priced at $16, the sandwich comes with a commemorative cup, celebrating Barkley’s iconic play and his impact on the city.
High Expectations for the Eagles in 2025
As the Eagles gear up for the 2025 season, expectations are sky-high. With much of their 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 Barkley’s Legacy
Set for release on August 14, 2025, Madden NFL 26 is generating buzz among fans eager to see how Barkley’s virtual counterpart mirrors his real-life dominance. The game promises to capture the essence of his record-breaking season, but all eyes will be on whether Barkley can defy the Madden Curse and continue his reign as one of the NFL’s premier talents.