Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has officially been announced as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26, marking a historic milestone in a season already filled with highlights.
Saquon Barkley, star running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, has been officially named the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26, capping off a remarkable year filled with standout moments.
The announcement was made by EA Sports on Monday. The cover of the standard edition highlights Barkley’s unforgettable backward hurdle from Week 9 — a move that became symbolic of the Eagles’ thrilling championship run. Meanwhile, the deluxe edition showcases a striking game-day close-up of Barkley, fully suited up and ready for action.
EA Sports revealed the cover on Monday, with the standard edition showcasing Barkley’s iconic backward hurdle from Week 9 — a moment that captured the electrifying energy of the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning season. The deluxe edition features a focused portrait of Barkley in full game-day gear.
The newly revealed standard edition captures Barkley mid-air during his famous Week 9 hurdle, a play that embodied the adrenaline of Philadelphia’s victorious Super Bowl campaign. The deluxe version shifts the focus to a powerful, detailed image of Barkley in his Eagles uniform, emphasizing the intensity and preparation that defined his breakout season.
This honor adds to what many consider one of the greatest seasons ever by an NFL running back. Barkley broke the all-time single-season rushing record, combining regular and postseason stats, with 2,504 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns.
Barkley’s recognition comes on the heels of what is being hailed as one of the most exceptional seasons by a running back in NFL history. By combining his regular season and playoff performances, he amassed a record-breaking 2,504 rushing yards along with 18 touchdowns, surpassing previous benchmarks and setting a new standard in the league.
He surpassed Terrell Davis’ longstanding record and helped lead the Eagles to championship glory in his first season with Philadelphia after joining as a free agent.
In just his debut year with the Eagles after signing as a free agent, Barkley made an immediate impact. He not only shattered Terrell Davis’ long-standing rushing record but also played a crucial role in guiding Philadelphia to a Super Bowl title, solidifying his legacy from the start.
“Starring on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and being named to the Madden NFL ’99 Club’ are both dreams come true,” Barkley said in a press release. “I’m grateful to my teammates, coaches, and Eagles fans for their support, and I can’t wait to hit the field again to give Madden players more highlight-reel moments.”
Barkley expressed his gratitude in a press statement, calling the opportunity to grace the Madden NFL 26 cover and earn a spot in the Madden NFL ’99 Club’ a dream realized. He thanked his teammates, coaching staff, and loyal Eagles fans, and promised to continue delivering unforgettable plays both on the field and in the game.
This is the first time an Eagles player has been featured on the Madden cover since Donovan McNabb in Madden 06, and it’s also a landmark for Barkley personally, as he becomes the first Penn State alum to appear on the cover of the iconic game franchise. The game will officially launch on August 14 for PlayStation and Xbox platforms.
Barkley’s appearance on the cover marks the first for a Philadelphia Eagles player since Donovan McNabb was featured on Madden 06. It also represents a personal milestone, making him the first former Penn State Nittany Lion to ever appear on the front of the long-running franchise. The game is set to release on August 14, available for both PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
From Nittany Lion stardom to NFL dominance, Barkley’s journey has come full circle in Pennsylvania. His 2024-25 season not only cemented his place among football’s elite but also inspired a new generation of fans and gamers alike.
Barkley’s path from college football standout at Penn State to NFL superstar has come full circle, all within the state of Pennsylvania. His phenomenal 2024-25 performance not only solidified his standing among the game’s greatest but also ignited the passion of young fans and gamers, creating a legacy that extends far beyond the field.
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