Oct 20, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) warms up before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Saquon Barkley’s ‘Amazing’ Take on ‘Madden’ Honor

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 10:09 PM ET

Saquon Barkley’s recent recognition as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26 has sparked widespread admiration and excitement. The honor highlights his exceptional 2024 season, where he led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory and solidified his place among the NFL’s elite players.

Barkley’s selection is particularly significant as his iconic reverse hurdle against the Jacksonville Jaguars takes center stage on the cover. EA Sports celebrated the moment in the Madden 26 trailer, showcasing the spectacular play that has come to define Barkley’s athletic prowess. The trailer also introduced innovative features like “Coach DNA” and “QB DNA,” further enhancing the game’s realism.

In interviews, Barkley expressed his gratitude for being chosen, calling it a dream come true. He reflected on the legacy of Madden cover athletes and the inspiration he drew from them as a young player. For Barkley, the honor represents not only personal achievement but also the opportunity to inspire the next generation of football fans and players.

The Madden 26 cover is a testament to Barkley’s versatility and dominance on the field. His ability to combine power, speed, and agility made him the Offensive Player of the Year and a key figure in the Eagles’ championship run. The game’s release coincides with the team’s efforts to defend their Super Bowl title, adding another layer of excitement for fans.

Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley Drops Amazing Take on Being Placed On Madden Cover

Sep 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) smiles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Just recently, Barkely gave his take on being placed on the upcoming Madden cover. This can be seen in a video shared by the Green Light podcast’s official Instagram account.

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A post shared by Green Light with Chris Long (@greenlightpod)

Barkley’s role as a Madden cover athlete also emphasizes the blending of sports and entertainment. His recreated hurdle for the cover shoot, with behind-the-scenes footage captivating fans, bridges the gap between real-life sports moments and their virtual counterparts.

Sep 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

As Barkley and the Eagles prepare for the 2025 season, his Madden honor adds to the momentum surrounding his career. The recognition not only celebrates his past achievements but also sets the stage for what promises to be another remarkable chapter in his journey.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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