Latest news with #TheInsiders
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Barkley Reveals Key to Eagles Repeating As Champs
Barkley Reveals Key to Eagles Repeating As Champs originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Eagles have every right to be confident. After stampeding through the season, they made light work of the NFC playoff picture and put an end to the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl streak before halftime. The best roster in football might have gotten better after the fact, and they'll be favored to run the conference again in 2025. Advertisement Nothing about the Eagles' offseason workouts, though, suggests that their well-deserved ego is going to get in the way of next season's success. Philadelphia is still the biggest and baddest team in the league. With an elite offensive line, two stars on the perimeter, a 2,000-yard running back, and a quarterback that completes the puzzle, star power alone could earn this team a playoff spot. But merely making the playoffs isn't good enough for a team with such high expectations. The bar has been set, and clearing it ends in Santa Clara next February. Saquon Barkley, coming off his historic season, revealed the Eagles' key to repeating as Super Bowl champions. "It's been great," Barkley said, via NFL Network's 'The Insiders.' "We've got guys coming in and buying in, training really hard, competing at a high level. The young guys that we drafted and the people we brought in, they're buying into the culture right from the beginning. Advertisement "The best way I can answer that question is success is not an accident. We know the recipe. We know what it takes. We can't skip any steps to get to where we want to get to. Last OTAs, it was the same thing, and we already know how training camp's gonna be and we know how it's gonna be during the season. We know the recipe, and we just got to stick to it and a little bit of luck when that comes in with staying healthy. We do that, with the talent that we have and the coaches that we have, we'll be in a good position." Mastering the details is part of why Philadelphia was so good when it mattered most. From elite coaching on the tush push to impressive player development and in-sync in the biggest moments, the Eagles are detail-oriented and have nearly as much coaching talent as they do between the sidelines. That process starts during organized team activities (OTAs), regardless of how rudimentary it may seem. Philadelphia's path back to playoff success is similar to last season's. A Super Bowl might add to the hype – and the expectations – but blocking out the noise to focus on winning the next day is paramount. Advertisement Losing a Super Bowl laid waste to the Eagles' 2023 season. Ensuring another trip to the sport's biggest stage doesn't carry over into 2025 could keep Philadelphia on the championship track. Related: New Details Emerge About Eagles Bryce Huff Trade Related: Eagles Legend Speaks Out On Jalen Carter In Stunning Revelation This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox Sports
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Fox Sports
Saquon Barkley willing to tempt fate on Madden cover, doesn't believe in curse
There was nothing that could stop Saquon Barkley in his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, some might argue that he's tempting fate as he enters Year Two in Philadelphia. Barkley was announced as the cover athlete for "Madden NFL 26" on Monday, with his memorable reverse hurdle play being used for the cover. While many view being on the cover of Madden as an honor, the longstanding "Madden curse" has lingered over star players' decisions whether to appear on the cover of the hit EA Sports game. For Barkley, though, the curse wasn't a consideration when he was asked to appear on the Madden cover. "Nah, I'm a believer in God," Barkley said on "The Insiders" when asked if he believed in the Madden curse. "That's my mindset, to be completely honest." A curse might have been the only way to stop Barkley in 2024. The Eagles' running back rushed for 2,005 yards on 5.8 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns during the regular season, falling 100 yards short of Eric Dickerson's regular-season record for most rushing yards. He also added 33 receptions for 278 yards and two touchdowns to help him win Offensive Player of the Year. In the postseason, Barkley continued to run at a high level. He rushed for 499 yards on 5.5 yards per carry and five touchdowns over four postseason games, playing a major role in Philadelphia's run to a Super Bowl title. His 2,504 total rushing yards are the most ever in an NFL season (regular season and playoffs combined). But prior to joining the Eagles in 2024, Barkley was often slowed down due to injury during his six-year stint with the New York Giants. That's why he doesn't believe he's tempting fate by appearing on the Madden cover. "I've had injuries before. I tore my knee, I stepped on a foot and rolled my ankle and was out four-to-six weeks. There was no curse then," Barkley said. "That's just how life works. You're gonna have your ups and downs, but my mindset is coming in, work, do what I need to do, and the rest is in God's hands." The Madden curse has seemingly been a thing since before the turn of the century. After being named to the cover of "Madden NFL 2000," Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders suddenly retired before the start of the 1999 season. Since then, there have been several instances in which star players have either gotten hurt or played below expectations in the year they appeared on the cover of Madden. Just last year, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey missed 13 games due to multiple injuries after appearing on the cover of "Madden NFL 25." [Related: Madden cover curse: Curse returns with vengeance on Christian McCaffrey] As Barkley is the second Eagles player to appear on the cover of Madden, it could be argued that the curse struck in the only other time a player from the franchise appeared on the cover of the game. Former quarterback Donovan McNabb missed eight games in the 2005 season after being named to the cover of "Madden NFL 06." He also had a public feud with teammate Terrell Owens that year as Philadelphia's four-year streak of reaching the NFC Championship Game also ended, with the Eagles going 6-10. Before last season, though, there was a good run of players having a strong year after appearing on the Madden cover. Tom Brady ("Madden NFL 18," "Madden NFL 22") and Patrick Mahomes ("Madden NFL 20," "Madden NFL 22") avoided the curse twice, with the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback actually winning the Super Bowl in one of those years. Josh Allen ("Madden NFL 24") and Lamar Jackson ("Madden NFL 21") also had strong seasons after appearing on the cover of Madden. But players who've appeared on the cover of Madden have had a tough time helping their team win the Super Bowl that same season. It's only happened twice, with the New England Patriots winning Super Bowl LI after Rob Gronkowski appeared on the cover of "Madden NFL 17" that year (although Gronkowski suffered a season-ending injury earlier that year). Barkley is hoping to become the third player to join that list. He knows that winning a Super Bowl is tough and going back-to-back is even tougher, but he believes the Eagles learned last year the formula to winning the Lombardi Trophy. "The best way I can answer that question is success is not an accident. We know the recipe. We know what it takes," Barkley said. "We can't skip any steps to get to where we want to get to. Last OTAs, it was the same thing, and we already know how training camp's gonna be and we know how it's gonna be during the season. "We know the recipe, and we just got to stick to it and a little bit of luck when that comes in with staying healthy. We do that, with the talent that we have and the coaches that we have, we'll be in a good position." Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Saquon Barkley talks Madden curse, cover hurdle: 'I've had injuries before'
Saquon Barkley talks Madden curse, cover hurdle: 'I've had injuries before' Show Caption Hide Caption Ashton Jeanty talks all things Las Vegas Raiders and his hopes in the NFL Ashton Jeanty spoke with USA TODAY Sports about his upcoming rookie season with the Raiders and his partnership with Sharpie. Sports Seriously Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was chosen to be the cover athlete for Madden 26, the latest installment in EA Sports' popular NFL video game franchise. The 28-year-old isn't worried about becoming the latest victim of the proverbial "Madden curse" after his selection. Barkley was asked by Tom Pelissero on NFL Network's "The Insiders" whether he believed in curses, specifically the one associated with appearing on the Madden cover. "Nah, I'm a believer in God," Barkley replied. "That's my mindset, to be completely honest." Saquon Barkley discusses Madden curse Some superstitious Eagles fans might cringe at the thought of their superstar running back on the cover of the video game franchise. Barkley – who became the ninth NFL player to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season last year – remains unbothered by the superstition. "I've had injuries before. I tore my knee, I stepped on a foot and rolled my ankle and was out 4-to-6 weeks, and there was no curse then," Barkley said. "That's just how life works. You're gonna have your ups and downs, but my mindset is coming in, work, do what I need to do, and the rest is in God's hands." The idea of the Madden curse dates back to Madden 1999, when San Francisco 49ers running back Garrison Hearst became the first athlete to appear on the international edition of the game's cover. Hearst enjoyed a quality 1998 NFL season, running for 1,570 yards and seven touchdowns with the 49ers. However, he suffered a gruesome broken ankle in a playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons. Complications from the injury – including avascular necrosis, which caused a bone in his injured foot to die – kept him out of the league for two seasons before he returned to play for the 49ers in 2001. Since then, numerous stars to grace the Madden cover have also dealt with injury issues. That includes Madden 25 cover athlete Christian McCaffrey, who was limited to four games in 2024 because of Achilles tendonitis and a PCL sprain in his knee. Meanwhile, the cover athletes who have remained healthy have often seen a step back in production. NFL FREE AGENTS: Best fits for Keenan Allen, Aaron Rodgers, more Saquon Barkley Madden cover: How it was made The Madden 26 cover features a snapshot of Barkley's iconic hurdle from the 2024 NFL season, during which he jumped backward over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones. Barkley revealed during his interview with NFL Network that he received help in recreating the jump. "I would love to say I actually have that body control, but I would just be lying to you," Barkley said, referencing a brief clip he shared of the shoot on social media. "I was strapped in there and they're pulling me up." Barkley credited the shoot with helping him to realize just how difficult his reverse hurdle was to execute. "That's when I realized the play that I had when I jumped over someone backwards, how special it was," he said. "When we had to recreate it, I was like, 'I don't know if I feel comfortable doing this not in the midst of a game.'" Barkley also explained that being strapped into the harness to create the cover photo wasn't necessarily easy. "It made me grow so much more respect for any superhero – Spider-Man, Superman any of those guys, those actors or actresses that have to put that on and perform," Barkley said. "Shoutout to them."
Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
What is the ‘Madden curse'? Eagles star Saquon Barkley says he's not worried: ‘I'm a believer in God'
When Saquon Barkley pulled off his now-iconic reverse hurdle last season, it was the kind of play that makes history. Now, that has landed the Philadelphia Eagles running back on the cover of Madden NFL 26. But with that honour comes a looming question that's haunted NFL fans for years: Will the 'Madden curse' strike again? For Barkley, the answer is simple, he's not sweating it. ALSO READ| Atlanta Falcons to trade Kyle Pitts? NFL insiders spill secrets amid rumours 'Nah, I'm a believer in God. That's my mindset to be completely honest,' Barkley said on NFL Network's The Insiders, when asked if he feared the infamous curse. '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.' Along with landing the Madden cover, Eagles' running back has also been named to the prestigious 'Madden 99 Club,' becoming the first Eagles offensive player to receive the honour. 'Starring on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and being named to the Madden NFL '99 Club' are both dreams come true,' he 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.' ALSO READ| Peyton Manning shares key Bill Belichick update that might disappoint fans The so-called 'Madden curse' refers to the superstition that players featured on the cover often suffer injuries or underperform the following season. Just last year, San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey fell victim after a monster season, managing only four games in 2024-25 due to Achilles issues. However, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady, and Josh Allen all had respectable seasons post-cover, even if they didn't escape criticism.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
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?
