Eagles RB Saquon Barkley announced as Madden 26 cover athlete

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has achieved another significant career milestone, as EA Sports announced Monday that he will grace the cover of Madden NFL 26.

The cover will feature a now-iconic image of Barkley executing a backwards hurdle over a Jacksonville Jaguars defender during the Eagles’ Week 9 victory last season.

The moment quickly gained widespread recognition as one of the most memorable highlights of the 2024 season.

.@Saquon hurdled his way onto the cover of #Madden26

Coming 8.14.25. Pre-Order Today.

🔗: https://t.co/zm14BbUaJf pic.twitter.com/l1QYWN0b7h

— Madden NFL 26 (@EAMaddenNFL) June 2, 2025

Barkley’s selection comes on the heels of a historic campaign in which he was named the AP Offensive Player of the Year and won a Super Bowl title. He recorded 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, becoming just the ninth player ever to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season.

The highly anticipated video game is scheduled for release on August 14.

Hurdling onto the @EAMaddenNFL cover 🙏🏾Dream come true! Fly Eagles Fly 🦅 https://t.co/zUTwOWHE1U pic.twitter.com/X1xQWIEpk6

— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) June 2, 2025

Mandatory Credit: EA Sports