Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has officially been announced as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26, marking a historic milestone in a season already filled with highlights.
EA Sports revealed the cover on Monday, with the standard edition showcasing Barkley’s iconic backward hurdle from Week 9 — a moment that captured the electrifying energy of the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning season. The deluxe edition features a focused portrait of Barkley in full game-day gear.
This honor adds to what many consider one of the greatest seasons ever by an NFL running back. Barkley broke the all-time single-season rushing record, combining regular and postseason stats, with 2,504 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns.
He surpassed Terrell Davis’ longstanding record and helped lead the Eagles to championship glory in his first season with Philadelphia after joining as a free agent.
“Starring on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and being named to the Madden NFL ’99 Club’ are both dreams come true,” Barkley said in a press release. “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.”
This is the first time an Eagles player has been featured on the Madden cover since Donovan McNabb in Madden 06, and it’s also a landmark for Barkley personally, as he becomes the first Penn State alum to appear on the cover of the iconic game franchise. The game will officially launch on August 14 for PlayStation and Xbox platforms.
From Nittany Lion stardom to NFL dominance, Barkley’s journey has come full circle in Pennsylvania. His 2024-25 season not only cemented his place among football’s elite but also inspired a new generation of fans and gamers alike.