Philadelphia Eagles legend Donovan McNabb has showered praise on Saquon Barkley for being named the Madden NFL 26 cover athlete, dismissing fears of the infamous “Madden curse” and celebrating the running back’s well-earned spotlight. Barkley’s selection, featuring his jaw-dropping reverse hurdle against Jacksonville, marks a historic moment for the Eagles, with McNabb calling it “absolutely well-deserved.”
McNabb, who graced the cover of Madden NFL 06, sees Barkley’s achievement as a proud moment for the Eagles organization. “It’s always a good thing when you have a representation of your organization and the success that you’ve had, especially leading into the next season,” McNabb said. He noted that either Barkley or quarterback Jalen Hurts would have been a fitting choice, given their pivotal roles in securing a Super Bowl victory last season.
The so-called Madden curse—a superstition suggesting cover athletes face injuries or poor performance—has loomed large in fans’ minds. McNabb himself endured a season-ending sports hernia surgery during his cover year and dealt with a high-profile feud with teammate Terrell Owens, often cited as a prime example of the curse. Yet, he’s adamant it’s “a bunch of nonsense.” Speaking to TMZ Sports, McNabb encouraged fans to dismiss the myth, pointing to recent cover stars like Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson, who thrived post-Madden, some even hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
“For Saquon, I think this is one [thing] he doesn’t have to focus on,” McNabb said. “Just continue to grind and get ready for a new season and hopefully the same outcome.” Barkley, the second Eagle ever to land on a Madden cover, echoes this sentiment. “I’m a believer in God,” Barkley said, shrugging off the curse and noting his history of injuries had no supernatural ties.
McNabb also highlighted the broader impact of Barkley’s success, emphasizing how his dominance elevates the running back position league-wide. “It’s a reminder of how important success at the position is to the passing game,” he said. Being the Madden cover star catapults Barkley to a new echelon of fame, but with it comes heightened expectations—a challenge McNabb believes the star running back is ready to meet.
Barkley’s approach, much like McNabb’s, is grounded in preparation over superstition. As the Eagles gear up for another season, their hero’s focus remains clear: prove the doubters wrong, curse or no curse.