Saquon Barkley has officially been named the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26, capping off an incredible championship season that included a viral reverse hurdle moment and Super Bowl victory. EA Sports announced Monday that the Eagles running back will appear on two different covers, cementing his place among gaming’s most iconic athletes after a year that had everyone questioning if what they were watching was even real.
What We Know
- Double Cover Feature: Barkley appears on both the standard and deluxe editions of Madden NFL 26. The standard edition showcases his legendary reverse hurdle against Jacksonville in the Kelly green throwback uniform, while the deluxe edition features him in the Eagles’ Super Bowl championship uniform.
- Historic Season Recognition: The cover selection follows Barkley’s remarkable 2024 season that included over 2,000 rushing yards and a Super Bowl LIX championship. His reverse hurdle was so iconic that EA Sports programmed it into Madden NFL 25 within a week of it happening.
- Running Back Renaissance: Barkley becomes the second consecutive running back to grace the Madden cover, following Christian McCaffrey in 2024. This breaks a nearly decade-long drought of running backs on covers from 2014-2023, signaling renewed respect for the position.
.@Saquon hurdled his way onto the cover of #Madden26
Coming 8.14.25. Pre-Order Today.
🔗: https://t.co/zm14BbUaJf pic.twitter.com/l1QYWN0b7h
— Madden NFL 26 (@EAMaddenNFL) June 2, 2025
- Madden 99 Club Member: Beyond the cover honor, Barkley also earned entry into the prestigious Madden 99 Club, placing him among the highest-rated players in the game. He expressed gratitude for achieving a childhood dream of being featured on the iconic cover.
- Cultural Impact: EA Sports’ VP Evan Dexter noted that Barkley’s reverse hurdle represents “one of the rare, defining moments in NFL history” that showcases the athleticism and creativity of modern football. The move exemplifies moments that would have once been described as “something out of a video game.”
From Penn State to Super Bowl champion to video game immortality, Barkley’s journey continues to inspire young athletes who see themselves in his success.