If you perform plays that look straight out of a video game, it`s fitting you end up on a video game cover. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley`s dynamic playmaking has earned him a spot on the cover of Madden NFL 26.
EA Sports announced on Monday that Barkley, known for spectacular plays including his memorable reverse hurdle, will be the cover athlete for the upcoming Madden NFL 26.
In addition to gracing the cover, Barkley has achieved a 99 overall rating in the game, joining the elite Madden 99 Club. This marks the first time an Eagles offensive player has received this top rating.
Barkley expressed his excitement, stating that appearing on the Madden cover and reaching the 99 Club were “dreams come true.” He thanked his teammates, coaches, and Eagles fans for their support and expressed anticipation for the upcoming season to provide more exciting plays for Madden players.
Following an exceptional season where he was named the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year, Barkley delivered one of the most dominant performances by an NFL running back ever. His combined rushing total of 2,504 yards in the regular season and playoffs set a new single-season record.
He came close to surpassing Eric Dickerson`s long-standing regular-season rushing record, finishing just 101 yards short. This was partly due to the Eagles resting key players, including Barkley, in the final game against his former team, the New York Giants, prioritizing health for the postseason.
This strategy proved successful, as Barkley was instrumental in the Eagles` playoff run, rushing for 499 yards and five touchdowns en route to securing the franchise`s second Lombardi Trophy.
While Barkley`s season featured numerous spectacular moments, perhaps the most memorable was an innovative reverse hurdle executed in early November during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In a play during the second quarter on third-and-6, Barkley caught a pass from Jalen Hurts. After breaking a tackle and executing a spin move that left defender Devin Lloyd reaching in vain, Barkley continued the play. With his back turned to cornerback Jarrian Jones, he made a surprising, backward leap over Jones, gaining an additional five yards on what became a 14-yard play.
Evan Dexter, EA Sports Madden NFL vice president of franchise strategy and marketing, commented on the significance of the reverse hurdle, calling it a “rare, defining moment in NFL history” that perfectly embodies Barkley`s athleticism and creativity. He added that Madden NFL 26 aims to capture such “unreal moments” within the game`s most realistic simulation to date.
Given this remarkable feat and his overall performance, it`s fitting that Barkley holds top ratings for spin move, juke, agility, and change of direction in Madden NFL 26.
Barkley is the first player from the Eagles organization to join the Madden 99 Club in two decades, following safety Brian Dawkins (Madden 04) and kicker David Akers (Madden 06).
Finley Holt 
Callum Darby