Saquon Barkley unveiled as ‘Madden NFL 26' cover star with famous backwards hurdle
It's only right that Saquon Barkley and his otherworldly moves are gracing the cover of the next 'Madden' video game.
Barkley had a superb first season with the Eagles in 2024-25 which culminated in a Super Bowl victory. Through 2,005 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns, he made many video-game-like moves, but the backwards hurdle he pulled off leapt above every other moment.
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'This last season's been everything. Having the year that we were able to have as a team, win the Super Bowl, create iconic moments' Barkley said in a video promoting the game and his cover. 'It starts with imagination — being a kid, having those moments, playing video games and saying 'Why can't I do it in real life?''
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley hurdles over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones. AP
Barkley caught a pass in the flats from Jalen Hurts during a Week 9 matchup against Jacksonville, made a move that wound up with his back turned to Jaguars defender Jarrian Jones, then proceeded to leap off the field and clear Jones blindly.
He stuck the landing and wound up gaining 14 yards on the play.
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'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.
EA Sports' Madden 26 covers feature Eagles star Saquon Barkley. AP
The former Giant's name is already etched in history as a Super Bowl champion and just the ninth player to ever rush for 2,000 yards in a season — now, the craftiest move of his career will be etched in history, too.
'It's a display of the athleticism and creativity of one of football's most electrifying athletes,' Dexter said. 'Madden NFL 26 will deliver the most real NFL experience we've ever built so that players can experience more of the unreal moments that Saquon put on display all season long.'
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Barkley also joined rare air in the 'Madden 99 Club,' meaning he received the game's highest rating of 99.
'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.'
All that's left now for Eagles fans is to hope that the 'Madden Curse' isn't still alive.
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