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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has been unveiled as the cover athlete for EA Sports' Madden NFL 26, a significant milestone marking the first time an Eagles player has graced the cover since Donovan McNabb in 2006.
The cover features Barkley's remarkable reverse hurdle over Jacksonville Jaguars defender Jarrian Jones during a standout Week 9 performance in the 2024 season.
Barkley's 2024 season was nothing short of historic. He set a new NFL single-season rushing record with 2,504 yards, suring Terrell Davis' previous mark, and totaled 18 touchdowns.
His contributions were pivotal in leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory, earning him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award and a place in the prestigious Madden NFL '99 Club'.
What is the 'Madden curse'?
Despite these accolades, some fans express concern over the so-called "Madden Curse," a superstition suggesting that players featured on the game's cover may experience a decline in performance or suffer injuries in the following season.
This apprehension is fueled by recent examples, such as Christian McCaffrey, who appeared on Madden 25 and endured an injury-plagued 2024 season, playing in only four games.
The "Madden Curse" has been a topic of debate among NFL fans for years. While some players have faced challenges after their cover appearances, others have continued to excel. For instance, Patrick Mahomes, who shared the Madden 22 cover with Tom Brady, maintained a high level of performance in subsequent seasons.
Barkley, aware of the superstition, remains focused on preparation and performance. He expressed gratitude for the honor, stating, "It's a dream come true," and emphasized his commitment to building on his success.
To celebrate Barkley's achievement, Philadelphia's Geno's Steaks temporarily rebranded as "Steakquon's" and introduced a themed cheesesteak called "The Hurdle," priced at $16 and accompanied by a commemorative cup.#
A busy season ahead
As the Eagles prepare for the 2025 season, the expectations are sky-high. The team has retained much of its Super Bowl-winning roster, including quarterback Jalen Hurts and star wideout A.J. Brown.
Barkley will continue to be a central piece of the offense, especially with head coach Nick Sirianni placing more emphasis on the ground game.
The Eagles will enter the season as strong contenders to repeat, with analysts predicting another deep playoff run-assuming they can avoid injuries and maintain consistency on both sides of the ball.
Madden NFL 26 is set for release on August 14, 2025, and anticipation is high among fans eager to experience the game and see how Barkley's virtual representation matches his real-life dominance.