Philadelphia Eagles’ standout running back, Saquon Barkley, was announced on Monday as the chosen cover athlete for the upcoming Madden NFL 26 by EA Sports. The normal edition of the game displays Barkley’s breathtaking backward jump over a defender, a highlight from Week 9 of last year’s epic Super Bowl-winning campaign. Meanwhile, the deluxe version showcases a focused image of him in full game-day attire.
In the previous season, Barkley achieved new heights by setting an NFL single-season rushing record. Including postseason games, he surpassed the previous record of 2,476 yards set by Terrell Davis, completing the year with a remarkable 2,504 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. This outstanding performance marked arguably the most incredible debut season for any free agent in the history of Philadelphia sports.
“It’s a dream realized to feature on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and to be inducted into the Madden NFL ‘99 Club’,” Barkley expressed in a statement released by EA Sports. “I owe this honor to my teammates, coaches, and the amazing Eagles fans who have shown unwavering support. I am excited to step onto the field once more and create more awe-inspiring moments for Madden NFL 26 players.”
With this cover, Barkley becomes the first Eagles player to appear since Donovan McNabb graced the cover of Madden 06.