Saquon Barkley graces Madden 26 cover — and look at the move that put him there
It looked like something out of a video game. Now, it is.
EA Sports announced Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley as the Madden 26 cover star Monday, June 2. The chosen image shows him performing his viral reverse hurdle over a Jacksonville Jaguars defender from a Week 9 game last season.
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During his first year in Philadelphia, Barkley did plenty of the amazing. The 28-year-old led the league in carries (325), rushing yards (2,005) and yards per game (125.3) — and that was during the regular season before he helped the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps with the ball over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones (22) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Barkley collected the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award for his efforts.
He is the second running back in a row to grace the Madden cover after San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey last year. He joins former quarterback Donovan McNabb (Madden 06) as Philadelphia's only Madden cover athletes.
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In the upcoming game, his spin move, juke, agility and change of direction ratings will lead all players. His overall will also reach 99, the highest attainable mark.
When does Madden 26 come out?
Madden 26 will be released on Aug. 14.
Which consoles will have Madden 26?
Gamers can fire up Madden 26 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via the EA app for Windows, Steam and Epic Games Store and, for the first time ever, the Nintendo Switch 2.
How much does Madden 26 cost?
The standard edition of Madden 26 will cost $69.99, but of course, more expensive options exist. The deluxe edition will run for $99.99.
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EA is also releasing an MVP bundle, which includes Madden and College Football 26 for $149.99.
Saquon Barkley reverse hurdle: Remember it?
In the second quarter of an early November game against the Jags, Barkley caught a pass from QB Jalen Hurts in the flat. He broke a tackle, put Devin Lloyd in the spin cycle and then hit cornerback Jarrian Jones with a backward leapfrog.
That secured him an extra five yards to complete a 14-yard gain.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Madden 26 cover star reveal: Saquon Barkley doing reverse hurdle
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