Latest news with #APOffensivePlayeroftheYear
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Saquon Barkley is the cover of Madden 26 — Should the Eagles star worry about falling prey to the Madden curse?
Eagles superstar RB Saquon Barkley is officially on the cover of Madden 26! (Getty Images) When Saquon Barkley pulled off his jaw-dropping reverse hurdle last season, it didn't just electrify fans — it etched his name into football history. That kind of play doesn't just dominate highlight reels; it earns the ultimate pop culture nod in the NFL universe: a Madden cover. And for the 2026 edition of EA Sports' iconic video game, it's Barkley's moment in the spotlight. Will the Madden curse strike again with Saquon Barkley gracing the cover this year? The Philadelphia Eagles' star running back has officially been announced as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26, a recognition that puts him in elite company. Not only that, Barkley has been named to the prestigious Madden 99 Club — becoming the first Eagles offensive player to receive the honor. '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 in Madden NFL 26.' After a season where he shattered records with 2,504 rushing yards — the highest single-season total in league history — Barkley's spot on the cover seems more than justified. He also walked away with the AP Offensive Player of the Year award, further cementing his status as one of the league's most dominant forces. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo But with this honor comes a shadowy question — is Barkley destined to be the next victim of the infamous 'Madden Curse'? The so-called Madden Curse has been a part of NFL lore since the franchise began featuring players on its cover in 1999. The theory? That a featured athlete's following season is marked by injury, underperformance, or sheer bad luck. Over the years, it's claimed some of the biggest names in football — Marshall Faulk, Michael Vick, and even reigning stars like Odell Beckham Jr. and Christian McCaffrey. Of the 27 athletes who've graced the cover since 1999, 16 have ended up injured the following season. Others saw steep declines in performance. The curse may not come for everyone, but it has shown up often enough to spark superstition among fans and players alike. However, recent trends suggest the Madden Curse might be losing steam. Only 2.5 of the last 10 cover stars from 2014–2024 have suffered what could be called a 'cursed' season. Even in cases like Josh Allen (Madden 24), while his interceptions spiked, he still produced a strong season overall. Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady, co-cover stars for Madden 22, delivered top-tier performances even if they fell short of Super Bowl glory. So while the curse has certainly touched careers, its grip seems to be loosening in the modern era. Saquon Barkley isn't stepping into this spotlight blind. He's coming off a historic campaign with the confidence of someone who already conquered the physical and mental hurdles that come with elite-level football. His addition to the 99 Club puts him in a rare tier — joining Eagles legends like Brian Dawkins (Madden 04) and David Akers (Madden 06) — and reaffirms that he's not just making plays; he's redefining the running back position. EA Sports VP Evan Dexter summed it up perfectly: '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.'' Now, it's literally in one. The real question is whether the so-called curse will interrupt Barkley's momentum. Given his physical condition, surrounding offensive talent in Philadelphia, and the calculated way he trains and manages his body, he might be one of the most prepared cover athletes to date. Let's not forget — superstition doesn't score touchdowns, and curses don't chase down safeties. Preparation, grit, and a powerful offensive line do. Also Read: Chiefs' 2025 comeback mission begins with Super Bowl heartbreak and Patrick Mahomes' hunger for revenge
San Francisco Chronicle
6 days ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Christian McCaffrey returns to 49ers practice, showing no ill effects from injuries
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers returned to the practice field this week with a very important piece back after missing most of last season with injuries. Running back Christian McCaffrey is fully recovered from the Achilles' and knee injuries that limited him to just four games last season in a major boost to the Niners. McCaffrey took part in the first team practice open to the media this season on Thursday, showing no ill effects from the injuries that led to a frustrating 2024 season. 'Christian is as ready as any player I've ever been around,' coach Kyle Shanahan said. "When he gets hurt, he's got to rehab and get better. Right now he's healthy as can be. We've got to kind of protect him from himself, but Christian has a good idea of what he needs to do right now. He's doing a lot less than he normally would do, but I know he is excited on how healthy he feels and the fact that he can get out there.' McCaffrey looked like his old self in drills, showing the speed and explosiveness that helped him win AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. McCaffrey skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason last year awaiting a new contract and barely got any time on the field. He went down early in training camp with Achilles' tendinitis that sidelined him for the first eight games. He returned and played four games before injuring his right knee in Week 13 in Buffalo, then missed the final five games. He rushed for just 202 yards on 50 carries in four games and was unable to match his sensational 2023 season. The Niners hope having a healthy McCaffrey will help them bounce back from a 6-11 season in 2024. 'He's still really good at football, so that's exciting,' tight end George Kittle said. 'One year removed from being Offensive Player of the Year. Still very good at football, looks great. ... Having Christian out there is awesome.' McCaffrey won the award after leading the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage and tying for the league lead with 21 touchdowns. McCaffrey had missed just one game combined in 2022-23 — a meaningless Week 18 game in the 2023 season for San Francisco when he had a sore calf — after missing 23 games because of injuries in his final two full seasons with Carolina. The Niners have had good attendance this offseason thanks in part to getting lucrative contract extensions done early with stars Kittle, quarterback Brock Purdy and linebacker Fred Warner. That's in sharp contrast to recent years when contract disputes didn't get resolved until after the start of training camp or later. 'I'm a huge fan of getting all the things done early,' Kittle said. "I'm glad they decided to do that. That's awesome for us because now we have everybody in the building that's just focused on playing football, and focusing on just getting a little bit better every single day. I'm huge fan us getting them all done. It's good for football because now all we're focused on is football." The one notable absence has been star left tackle Trent Williams, who took part in the start of the offseason program but has been away the past couple of weeks. Shanahan said he expected Williams back soon with mandatory minicamp starting June 10. Injury updates The Niners have several players still recovering from injuries and not taking part in the start of offseason practices, including receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and safety Malik Mustapha (knee). Shanahan also said that safety Ji'Ayir Brown had ankle surgery in the offseason and will be out until training camp. Receiver Ricky Pearsall injured his hamstring during offseason workouts and likely won't be ready until training camp. ___
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Christian McCaffrey returns to 49ers practice, showing no ill effects from injuries
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers returned to the practice field this week with a very important piece back after missing most of last season with injuries. Running back Christian McCaffrey is fully recovered from the Achilles' and knee injuries that limited him to just four games last season in a major boost to the Niners. McCaffrey took part in the first team practice open to the media this season on Thursday, showing no ill effects from the injuries that led to a frustrating 2024 season. 'Christian is as ready as any player I've ever been around,' coach Kyle Shanahan said. 'When he gets hurt, he's got to rehab and get better. Right now he's healthy as can be. We've got to kind of protect him from himself, but Christian has a good idea of what he needs to do right now. He's doing a lot less than he normally would do, but I know he is excited on how healthy he feels and the fact that he can get out there.' McCaffrey looked like his old self in drills, showing the speed and explosiveness that helped him win AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. McCaffrey skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason last year awaiting a new contract and barely got any time on the field. He went down early in training camp with Achilles' tendinitis that sidelined him for the first eight games. He returned and played four games before injuring his right knee in Week 13 in Buffalo, then missed the final five games. He rushed for just 202 yards on 50 carries in four games and was unable to match his sensational 2023 season. The Niners hope having a healthy McCaffrey will help them bounce back from a 6-11 season in 2024. 'He's still really good at football, so that's exciting,' tight end George Kittle said. 'One year removed from being Offensive Player of the Year. Still very good at football, looks great. ... Having Christian out there is awesome.' McCaffrey won the award after leading the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage and tying for the league lead with 21 touchdowns. McCaffrey had missed just one game combined in 2022-23 — a meaningless Week 18 game in the 2023 season for San Francisco when he had a sore calf — after missing 23 games because of injuries in his final two full seasons with Carolina. The Niners have had good attendance this offseason thanks in part to getting lucrative contract extensions done early with stars Kittle, quarterback Brock Purdy and linebacker Fred Warner. That's in sharp contrast to recent years when contract disputes didn't get resolved until after the start of training camp or later. 'I'm a huge fan of getting all the things done early,' Kittle said. 'I'm glad they decided to do that. That's awesome for us because now we have everybody in the building that's just focused on playing football, and focusing on just getting a little bit better every single day. I'm huge fan us getting them all done. It's good for football because now all we're focused on is football.' The one notable absence has been star left tackle Trent Williams, who took part in the start of the offseason program but has been away the past couple of weeks. Shanahan said he expected Williams back soon with mandatory minicamp starting June 10. Injury updates The Niners have several players still recovering from injuries and not taking part in the start of offseason practices, including receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and safety Malik Mustapha (knee). Shanahan also said that safety Ji'Ayir Brown had ankle surgery in the offseason and will be out until training camp. Receiver Ricky Pearsall injured his hamstring during offseason workouts and likely won't be ready until training camp. Rookies Alfred Collins (calf) and Marques Sigle (unknown) also are currently sidelined with injuries. Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos is also away from the team awaiting the birth of his child. ___ AP NFL:
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Christian McCaffrey returns to 49ers practice, showing no ill effects from injuries
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers returned to the practice field this week with a very important piece back after missing most of last season with injuries. Running back Christian McCaffrey is fully recovered from the Achilles' and knee injuries that limited him to just four games last season in a major boost to the Niners. McCaffrey took part in the first team practice open to the media this season on Thursday, showing no ill effects from the injuries that led to a frustrating 2024 season. 'Christian is as ready as any player I've ever been around,' coach Kyle Shanahan said. 'When he gets hurt, he's got to rehab and get better. Right now he's healthy as can be. We've got to kind of protect him from himself, but Christian has a good idea of what he needs to do right now. He's doing a lot less than he normally would do, but I know he is excited on how healthy he feels and the fact that he can get out there.' McCaffrey looked like his old self in drills, showing the speed and explosiveness that helped him win AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. McCaffrey skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason last year awaiting a new contract and barely got any time on the field. He went down early in training camp with Achilles' tendinitis that sidelined him for the first eight games. He returned and played four games before injuring his right knee in Week 13 in Buffalo, then missed the final five games. He rushed for just 202 yards on 50 carries in four games and was unable to match his sensational 2023 season. The Niners hope having a healthy McCaffrey will help them bounce back from a 6-11 season in 2024. 'He's still really good at football, so that's exciting,' tight end George Kittle said. 'One year removed from being Offensive Player of the Year. Still very good at football, looks great. … Having Christian out there is awesome.' McCaffrey won the award after leading the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage and tying for the league lead with 21 touchdowns. McCaffrey had missed just one game combined in 2022-23 — a meaningless Week 18 game in the 2023 season for San Francisco when he had a sore calf — after missing 23 games because of injuries in his final two full seasons with Carolina. The Niners have had good attendance this offseason thanks in part to getting lucrative contract extensions done early with stars Kittle, quarterback Brock Purdy and linebacker Fred Warner. That's in sharp contrast to recent years when contract disputes didn't get resolved until after the start of training camp or later. 'I'm a huge fan of getting all the things done early,' Kittle said. 'I'm glad they decided to do that. That's awesome for us because now we have everybody in the building that's just focused on playing football, and focusing on just getting a little bit better every single day. I'm huge fan us getting them all done. It's good for football because now all we're focused on is football.' The one notable absence has been star left tackle Trent Williams, who took part in the start of the offseason program but has been away the past couple of weeks. Shanahan said he expected Williams back soon with mandatory minicamp starting June 10. Injury updates The Niners have several players still recovering from injuries and not taking part in the start of offseason practices, including receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and safety Malik Mustapha (knee). Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Shanahan also said that safety Ji'Ayir Brown had ankle surgery in the offseason and will be out until training camp. Receiver Ricky Pearsall injured his hamstring during offseason workouts and likely won't be ready until training camp. Rookies Alfred Collins (calf) and Marques Sigle (unknown) also are currently sidelined with injuries. Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos is also away from the team awaiting the birth of his child. ___ AP NFL:
Fox Sports
6 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Christian McCaffrey returns to 49ers practice, showing no ill effects from injuries
Associated Press SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers returned to the practice field this week with a very important piece back after missing most of last season with injuries. Running back Christian McCaffrey is fully recovered from the Achilles' and knee injuries that limited him to just four games last season in a major boost to the Niners. McCaffrey took part in the first team practice open to the media this season on Thursday, showing no ill effects from the injuries that led to a frustrating 2024 season. 'Christian is as ready as any player I've ever been around,' coach Kyle Shanahan said. "When he gets hurt, he's got to rehab and get better. Right now he's healthy as can be. We've got to kind of protect him from himself, but Christian has a good idea of what he needs to do right now. He's doing a lot less than he normally would do, but I know he is excited on how healthy he feels and the fact that he can get out there.' McCaffrey looked like his old self in drills, showing the speed and explosiveness that helped him win AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. McCaffrey skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason last year awaiting a new contract and barely got any time on the field. He went down early in training camp with Achilles' tendinitis that sidelined him for the first eight games. He returned and played four games before injuring his right knee in Week 13 in Buffalo, then missed the final five games. He rushed for just 202 yards on 50 carries in four games and was unable to match his sensational 2023 season. The Niners hope having a healthy McCaffrey will help them bounce back from a 6-11 season in 2024. 'He's still really good at football, so that's exciting,' tight end George Kittle said. 'One year removed from being Offensive Player of the Year. Still very good at football, looks great. ... Having Christian out there is awesome.' McCaffrey won the award after leading the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage and tying for the league lead with 21 touchdowns. McCaffrey had missed just one game combined in 2022-23 — a meaningless Week 18 game in the 2023 season for San Francisco when he had a sore calf — after missing 23 games because of injuries in his final two full seasons with Carolina. The Niners have had good attendance this offseason thanks in part to getting lucrative contract extensions done early with stars Kittle, quarterback Brock Purdy and linebacker Fred Warner. That's in sharp contrast to recent years when contract disputes didn't get resolved until after the start of training camp or later. 'I'm a huge fan of getting all the things done early,' Kittle said. "I'm glad they decided to do that. That's awesome for us because now we have everybody in the building that's just focused on playing football, and focusing on just getting a little bit better every single day. I'm huge fan us getting them all done. It's good for football because now all we're focused on is football." The one notable absence has been star left tackle Trent Williams, who took part in the start of the offseason program but has been away the past couple of weeks. Shanahan said he expected Williams back soon with mandatory minicamp starting June 10. Injury updates The Niners have several players still recovering from injuries and not taking part in the start of offseason practices, including receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and safety Malik Mustapha (knee). Shanahan also said that safety Ji'Ayir Brown had ankle surgery in the offseason and will be out until training camp. Receiver Ricky Pearsall injured his hamstring during offseason workouts and likely won't be ready until training camp. Rookies Alfred Collins (calf) and Marques Sigle (unknown) also are currently sidelined with injuries. Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos is also away from the team awaiting the birth of his child. ___ AP NFL: recommended
