NFL Madden 26 Cover: Saquon Barkley lands cover with 99 rating, the internet has its say
EA Sports has named Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26, honouring a landmark season that included a Super Bowl title, 2,005 rushing yards and a viral moment that seemed lifted straight from the video game itself.
Barkley, 28, is only the ninth player in NFL history to surpass the 2,000-yard mark in a single season.
He also became the newest member of the elite 'Madden 99 Club,' the game's highest rating tier, and the latest player to front the iconic franchise.
The cover reveal was accompanied by a now-iconic image: Barkley mid-air, performing a reverse hurdle over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones during a Week 9 clash.
The move—executed while Barkley had his back turned to the defender—was widely circulated online and lauded as one of the season's most jaw-dropping plays.
'Saquon's reverse hurdle was one of the rare, defining moments in NFL history that would have once been described as 'something out of a video game,'' said Evan Dexter, vice president of franchise strategy and marketing for EA Sports Madden NFL.
In a promotional video released with the announcement, Barkley reflected on the journey from gamer to cover athlete. 'This last season's been everything,' he said. 'Win the Super Bowl, create iconic moments. It starts with imagination — being a kid, having those moments, playing video games and saying, 'Why can't I do it in real life?''
The former New York Giants star credited his new team's culture for fuelling his breakout campaign. Barkley was a key contributor in the Eagles' title run and tallied 15 total touchdowns over the course of the season.
EA Sports stated the upcoming edition of Madden NFL would offer its most realistic simulation yet. 'It's a display of the athleticism and creativity of one of football's most electrifying athletes,' Dexter said.
The game is set to release on 14 August 2025, with pre-orders now open.
'Starring on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and being named to the Madden NFL 99 Club are both dreams come true,' Barkley said.
'I'm grateful to my teammates, coaches and Eagles fans for their support, and I can't wait to hit the field again to give Madden players more highlight-reel moments.'
For Philadelphia fans, all that remains now is to hope the fabled 'Madden Curse' doesn't strike.
NFL fans on X (formerly Twitter) have been reacting to the news, with many naming alternatives they believe should've become cover athlete instead.
I wish he wasn't on it bc I believe in the curse but it was too perfect. 26 on 26 — 🦅 RUN IT BACK🦅 (LIX Champs💍💍) (@RollPhillyDawgz) June 2, 2025
How does he deserve it over Lamar — bossman (@thyonlybossman) June 2, 2025
Congrats to Saquon in advance to being the first Eagles player to break the Madden curse!!! — 🔥 CEO Branding Expert (@Ceo_Branding) June 2, 2025
Who's the poor soul he's hurdling — VGhostface Killa 🐝 (@VGKBetta) June 2, 2025
Shoulda been my guy CJ Stroud smh https://t.co/iFbM5RMVit — Duv-ALL Sports Cards & Collectible's (@DuvALLsports) June 2, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Offset deactivates social media after Cardi B and Stefon Diggs go public
Atlanta rapper Offset has deactivated both his X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts following a public meltdown linked to his ongoing divorce from Cardi B and her newly surfaced relationship with NFL player Stefon Diggs. Over the weekend, Cardi B and New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs were seen partying on a yacht, prompting viral speculation about their romantic involvement. Diggs' absence from the team's organized activities — though not mandatory — reportedly raised concerns within the Patriots camp. Offset appeared to take issue with the attention the couple received, posting 'Good roll out n PR' on X before deleting his account. He also posted a series of now-deleted tweets, including one that read, 'Now when somebody die for playing with my son then call me the crash out.' The post referenced a photo showing Offset and Cardi's son Wave sporting a hairstyle similar to Diggs', sparking online trolling. The way Offset is deactivating all his social media and sliding down the wall is so satisfying 😂😂 he got ya bm he won 🙂↔️ — CARDIA (@CCardib2) June 3, 2025 Offset and Cardi B are currently entangled in a contentious divorce. Offset has requested spousal support, which Cardi responded to harshly during a live X Spaces session, saying she hoped he would 'die slow.' She further claimed his cheating and gaslighting during her pregnancy had a severe emotional toll, leading to health concerns for their third child. The former couple were married for six years and share three children. Their split continues to dominate headlines, fueled by both personal and public fallout.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Frank Ragnow retirement: Detroit Lions' centre announces shock NFL retirement at 29, find out his net worth
Detroit Lions centre Frank Ragnow has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 29, citing the need to prioritise his health and family. The decision was shared via an emotional Instagram post on Monday, 2 June. "I've tried to convince myself that I'm feeling good but I'm not and it's time to prioritise my health and my family's future," Ragnow wrote. "I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don't. I have to listen to my body and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life." Drafted 20th overall by the Lions in 2018, Ragnow quickly became a cornerstone of Detroit's offensive line, starting 96 games over seven seasons. His performance earned him four Pro Bowl selections and three Second-Team All-Pro honours. Notably, he played through a fractured throat in 2020, exemplifying his dedication and toughness. Despite his resilience, Ragnow's career was marred by multiple injuries, including issues with his foot, toe, knee, ankle, back, and groin. These persistent health challenges ultimately influenced his decision to retire. At the time of his retirement, Ragnow's net worth was estimated at approximately $78.7 million, bolstered by a four-year, $54 million contract extension signed in 2021, which made him the highest-paid centre in the league at that time. The Lions are expected to consider veteran Graham Glasgow and rookie Tate Ratledge as potential replacements at the centre position during the upcoming season. Ragnow concluded his announcement by expressing gratitude to the Lions organisation and its fans: "The Lions organisation has been absolutely incredible throughout this process and I can't emphasise this enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans. It was an absolute honour going to battle for you all."
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
NFL Madden 26 Cover: Saquon Barkley lands cover with 99 rating, the internet has its say
EA Sports has named Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26, honouring a landmark season that included a Super Bowl title, 2,005 rushing yards and a viral moment that seemed lifted straight from the video game itself. Barkley, 28, is only the ninth player in NFL history to surpass the 2,000-yard mark in a single season. He also became the newest member of the elite 'Madden 99 Club,' the game's highest rating tier, and the latest player to front the iconic franchise. The cover reveal was accompanied by a now-iconic image: Barkley mid-air, performing a reverse hurdle over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones during a Week 9 clash. The move—executed while Barkley had his back turned to the defender—was widely circulated online and lauded as one of the season's most jaw-dropping plays. 'Saquon's reverse hurdle was one of the rare, defining moments in NFL history that would have once been described as 'something out of a video game,'' said Evan Dexter, vice president of franchise strategy and marketing for EA Sports Madden NFL. In a promotional video released with the announcement, Barkley reflected on the journey from gamer to cover athlete. 'This last season's been everything,' he said. 'Win the Super Bowl, create iconic moments. It starts with imagination — being a kid, having those moments, playing video games and saying, 'Why can't I do it in real life?'' The former New York Giants star credited his new team's culture for fuelling his breakout campaign. Barkley was a key contributor in the Eagles' title run and tallied 15 total touchdowns over the course of the season. EA Sports stated the upcoming edition of Madden NFL would offer its most realistic simulation yet. 'It's a display of the athleticism and creativity of one of football's most electrifying athletes,' Dexter said. The game is set to release on 14 August 2025, with pre-orders now open. 'Starring on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and being named to the Madden NFL 99 Club are both dreams come true,' Barkley said. 'I'm grateful to my teammates, coaches and Eagles fans for their support, and I can't wait to hit the field again to give Madden players more highlight-reel moments.' For Philadelphia fans, all that remains now is to hope the fabled 'Madden Curse' doesn't strike. NFL fans on X (formerly Twitter) have been reacting to the news, with many naming alternatives they believe should've become cover athlete instead. I wish he wasn't on it bc I believe in the curse but it was too perfect. 26 on 26 — 🦅 RUN IT BACK🦅 (LIX Champs💍💍) (@RollPhillyDawgz) June 2, 2025 How does he deserve it over Lamar — bossman (@thyonlybossman) June 2, 2025 Congrats to Saquon in advance to being the first Eagles player to break the Madden curse!!! — 🔥 CEO Branding Expert (@Ceo_Branding) June 2, 2025 Who's the poor soul he's hurdling — VGhostface Killa 🐝 (@VGKBetta) June 2, 2025 Shoulda been my guy CJ Stroud smh — Duv-ALL Sports Cards & Collectible's (@DuvALLsports) June 2, 2025
