For the second consecutive year, a running back is featured on the Madden NFL cover, but much of the conversation revolves around whether the Madden Curse will strike again. Last year’s cover athlete, Christian McCaffrey, suffered significant setbacks, fueling ongoing concerns about the so-called curse. Fans are now watching closely as Saquon Barkley takes the spotlight in the 2025 edition, sparking debate on whether he will be the next to experience this downturn.
What Happened to Christian McCaffrey After Last Year’s Cover
The Madden Curse is a superstition held by many fans and analysts who believe that appearing on the Madden cover brings misfortune, often causing players’ performance to decline or leading to injury. McCaffrey, the 49ers running back, encountered multiple injuries during training camp and the preseason in 2024. After suffering calf and Achilles problems, he returned to play only four games before a season-ending PCL injury against the Buffalo Bills. His total rushing yards amounted to just 202, with no touchdowns to show for the season, a sharp drop from his prior success.
Saquon Barkley Steps Up as the New Madden Cover Star
With McCaffrey’s struggles fresh in fans’ minds, many are anticipating Barkley to become the next face of the curse. The Eagles running back had a record-breaking 2024, rushing over 2,000 yards and helping Philadelphia capture Super Bowl LIX. Barkley’s outstanding achievements earned him a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension, including $36 million guaranteed. Now, as the Madden NFL 26 cover athlete with his memorable reverse hurdle over Jacksonville Jaguars’ Jarrian Jones featured, expectations and anxieties run high.
Mixed Reactions from Fans on McCaffrey Passing the Curse
Christian McCaffrey’s congratulatory message to Barkley, which appeared to pass along the Madden Curse “torch,” elicited a range of responses. While McCaffrey smiled as he handed over the symbolic burden, fans were less amused. Some noted the irony with comments like,
“Bro, passing on the Madden curse with a smile on his face,”
and others warned that the curse was now “enabled” for the Eagles. One fan even joked,
Straight up thought you were saying, ‘it’s my honor to pass on the madden curse,
—commenter
Can Barkley Defy the Madden Curse and Lead the Eagles Again?
As the highest-paid running back in NFL history, Barkley aims to break the Madden Curse pattern with another deep playoff run. The Eagles kept their championship-winning roster intact for the upcoming season, bolstering hopes of continued success. However, the past difficulties endured by other cover athletes—and McCaffrey’s recent setbacks—underscore the tension surrounding Barkley’s tenure as the new Madden face. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether he can maintain his elite performance or become the latest player to fall victim to the Madden Curse.