Electronic Arts Inc. and EA SPORTS announced on Monday that Saquon Barkley, the standout Eagles All-Pro running back, will be the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26. This marks only the second time an athlete from the Philadelphia Eagles has appeared on the cover, following quarterback Donovan McNabb’s feature in the 2006 edition. Barkley also became the first Eagles offensive player to join the exclusive Madden 99 Club for earning the highest overall rating in the game.
Record-Breaking Achievements Cement Barkley’s Elite Status
Since joining the Eagles in March 2024, Barkley has achieved milestones that secured his Madden NFL 26 cover recognition and 99 Club inclusion. He rushed for an NFL franchise-record 2,005 yards in the regular season, becoming one of the few players in league history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a single season. Including playoffs, his total of 2,504 rushing yards established a new NFL single-season record. The Eagles collectively set an NFL record with 3,866 rushing yards across the regular season and playoffs.
Barkley’s dominance was clear in clutch moments as well, with 1,245 rushing yards gained in the second half of games alone—an NFL-best since at least 1991. He also set team single-game rushing records with 255 yards in a regular-season game against the Rams and 205 yards in the playoffs versus the same team. Barkley topped off an extraordinary season by becoming only the third player in NFL history to win both the rushing title and Super Bowl within the same year.
Additional Honors Highlight Barkley’s Impact and Playmaking
Throughout the season, Barkley earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors four times—a team record—and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for November. His performance earned him first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. Barkley surpassed 100 rushing yards in 14 games, including the playoffs, and maintained a streak of five consecutive contests with at least 100 yards rushing.
In the postseason, Barkley broke NFL records with three rushing touchdowns over 60 yards, a mark no other player has matched in their entire playoff career. He also led the league with 46 runs of 10 or more yards, showcasing his big-play ability. One of his most memorable moments was a spectacular reverse hurdle against the Jaguars, a play that encapsulated his rare athleticism.
Statements from Barkley and EA SPORTS Reflect Mutual Excitement
Saquon Barkley expressed his enthusiasm about the Madden NFL 26 honor, saying,
“Starring on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and being named to the Madden NFL 99 Club are both dreams come true,”
said Barkley.
“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.”
Evan Dexter, VP of Franchise Strategy & Marketing at EA SPORTS Madden NFL, praised Barkley’s athletic skill, noting,
“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 Dexter.
“Now, it’s a display of the athleticism and creativity of one of football’s most electrifying athletes. 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. The full reveal is this Wednesday – don’t miss what’s next.”
Barkley’s Place Among Eagles Legends and Madden Elite Players
Prior to Barkley, only two Eagles players had joined the Madden 99 Club: kicker David Akers in Madden NFL 06 and Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins in Madden NFL 04. Barkley is the first offensive player from the Eagles to earn this honor, joining an elite fraternity alongside Akers and Dawkins.
Other Eagles offensive talents have come close in Madden ratings, with players like Lane Johnson (98 rating in Madden NFL 24), Evan Mathis (98 in Madden NFL 15), Terrell Owens (98 in Madden NFL 06), LeSean McCoy (97 in Madden NFL 15), Brian Westbrook (97 in Madden NFL 09), and Donovan McNabb (97 in Madden NFL 06) standing out. Barkley’s inclusion in the 99 Club highlights his extraordinary performance level relative to Eagles history.
Looking Forward: Madden NFL 26 and Barkley’s Rising Legacy
As Madden NFL 26 prepares for its full reveal, Saquon Barkley’s presence as both cover athlete and 99 Club member reflects his dynamic contributions on and off the field. His record-setting season not only raised the bar for Eagles running backs but also set a new standard for what players can expect from the Madden series.
Barkley’s resilience and explosive talent align perfectly with the hopeful and intense tone surrounding his career progression and the Eagles’ future prospects. Fans and gamers alike anticipate that Madden NFL 26 will capture the spirit of his electrifying playmaking, ensuring he remains a pivotal figure in the sport and gaming worlds.