EA Sports spared Jaguars' defender who got hurdled by Saquon Barkley on ‘Madden 26' cover

USA Today

02-06-2025

EA Sports spared Jaguars' defender who got hurdled by Saquon Barkley on 'Madden 26' cover Saquon Barkley leaped over Jarrian Jones in the Eagles' Week 9 win over the Jaguars, but EA Sports spared the defensive back embarrassment by not depicting him on the Madden NFL 26 cover.
Saquon Barkley's leap over Jarrian Jones in the Eagles' Week 9 win over Jacksonville last season was the player of the year in many circles. It has been replayed millions of times, making Barkley a video game star. Barkley's whirlwind off-season continued on Monday, as the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year earned the most prestigious honor of landing the cover of Madden NFL 26. EA Sports announced on Monday morning.
"I'm grateful to my teammates, coaches, and Eagles fans for their support," Barkley said, "and I can't wait to hit the field again to give Madden players more highlight-reel moments in Madden NFL 26."
It's the second time that an Eagles player has been pictured on the cover, joining Eagles Hall of Fame quarterback Donovan McNabb, who graced the front of the 2006 edition.
One thing fans and the Jaguars will notice is that Jones was spared the embarrassment of having to replay the leap if and when he decides to purchase the game himself. Whether it was finances, Jones saying no, or Electronic Arts sparing the defensive back, the Jaguars defender was left off the cover. All you see is Barkley leaping over a black helmet and white shoulder pads.
The honor comes after Barkley rushed for a franchise-record 2,005 yards in the regular season, becoming just the ninth player in NFL history to surpass 2,000 yards in a single season.
The game will be available in stores on August 14, and EA Sports is offering a bundle package that includes Madden 26 and College Football 26. Bills star and NFL MVP Josh Allen landed the cover in 2024, while the great John Madden reclaimed his cover in 2023 following his passing.
In 2022, Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes shared the cover.