When video game moves translate to real-life success, the ultimate recognition follows.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley earned that validation when EA Sports announced he will be featured on the cover of Madden NFL 26.
His signature reverse hurdle that captivated fans helped secure the honor.
“It means the world to me. I think if you ask any kid out there, if they were able to be on the Madden cover, I think they all would be stoked and say, ‘Yes.’ So for that to come to life is truly amazing. There’s so many legendary players who have been a part of this, and I’m happy to attach my name to those guys too,” Barkley said, via the NFL.
From imitating moves in the game as a kid to having one of his own as the cover. A dream come true for Saquon 🙌@saquon | @Eagles | @EAMaddenNFL pic.twitter.com/bcoVZhEaCl
— NFL (@NFL) June 2, 2025
The achievement carries even greater significance for the franchise.
Barkley becomes the first offensive player in Eagles history to enter the prestigious Madden 99 Club.
The cover represents more than personal recognition. It connects Barkley to the legends who came before him, to memories of controlling Barry Sanders and other icons through virtual defenses with moves that kids would later attempt in backyard games.
That imagination and freedom helped shape careers beyond Sunday afternoons.
Now the kid who once dreamed of those moments finds himself as the featured player.
The journey reached a full circle through remarkable production that rewrote franchise history.
Barkley shattered expectations by recording 2,504 rushing yards including the playoffs, the most in a single season.
His regular-season total of 2,005 yards broke LeSean McCoy’s franchise record, and Barkley became the first Eagles player to win NFL Offensive Player of the Year while earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
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