What makes Saquon Barkley confident enough to laugh off the so-called 'Madden Curse' this year?
How is Saquon Barkley shrugging off the 'Madden Curse' that sidelined other stars in the past? (EA Sports)
Philadelphia has a new hero—and now, a new Madden cover star. After a jaw-dropping season that saw him rush for 2,005 yards and notch 13 touchdowns, Saquon Barkley has officially been revealed as the face of EA Sports Madden 26.
The announcement, made Monday, marked yet another milestone in what has been a storybook start to his Eagles career.
Why does Saquon Barkley feel the '
Madden Curse
' won't touch his performance this season?
Saquon Barkley didn't just silence the doubters last season—he turned them into die-hard fans. Barkley's Super Bowl-winning performance helped him transition from a division rival to a Philly legend. In a city where passion runs deep and legacies are carved by championships, he's already earned his place among the greats.
His efforts were nothing short of heroic, and the Madden cover is just the latest proof that he's now a household name in Philadelphia.
While the cover selection is typically a moment of celebration, it often comes with whispers of the infamous 'Madden curse'—the myth that players who appear on the game's cover experience a downturn in performance or health the following season. But if Barkley is at all worried, he certainly isn't showing it.
During an appearance on NFL Network's The Insiders, Barkley reflected on the honor, the photoshoot, and of course, the chatter around the curse. With calm conviction, he dismissed the idea entirely.
'Nah, I'm a believer in God. That's my mindset to be completely honest,' Barkley said when asked if the curse impacted his decision. 'I've had injuries before. I tore my knee. I stepped on a foot and rolled my ankle, was out for four to six weeks, and there was no curse then.
That's just how life works. You're going to have your ups and downs. But my mindset [coming in] is work, do what I need to do, and the rest is in God's hands.
'
Barkley's faith and unwavering work ethic were on full display—not just in the interview, but in how he's preparing for the upcoming season. While the Eagles gear up to defend their title, Barkley's focus remains on staying healthy, sharp, and impactful.
The "Madden curse" lore has real-life examples, like Christian McCaffrey, who missed most of the 2024–25 season after being the Madden 25 cover star.
But it's far from a guarantee. Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen all graced the cover and continued to perform at an elite level.
So, is it a curse or just coincidence? That debate will likely continue. But one thing's certain: Saquon Barkley isn't buying it. His story is about resilience, redemption, and relentless drive—traits that no superstition can overshadow.
And come next season, Eagles fans are hoping Barkley keeps turning doubters into believers—on the field and on the cover.
Also Read:
Saquon Barkley is the cover of Madden 26 — Should the Eagles star worry about falling prey to the Madden curse?
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