Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman took a chance on giving a running back a three-year, $37.75 million contract last offseason when plenty of other teams opted not to.
After a Super Bowl title in Year 1 with Saquon Barkley on the roster, it ended up paying off. The 28-year-old former New York Giant rushed for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns while also adding 33 receptions for 278 yards and two touchdowns through the air. He also set the record for most rushing yards in a single season, including playoffs, with 2,504.
Roseman has since rewarded Barkley with a two-year, $41.2 million extension.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley celebrates winning Super Bowl LIX.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
And on Monday, EA Madden officially announced him as the cover athlete for their next video game, Madden NFL 26.
"Saquon Barkley hurdled his way onto the cover of #Madden26Coming," the game wrote. "8.14.25. Pre-Order Today."
Fans were quick to share their reactions, praising the choice and photo after Barkley pulled off a reverse hurdle in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars this past season.
"No better picture from the season than this one," a fan said.
"Honestly this picture doesn't even give the play justice," another wrote.
"W cover," added another.
"So tuff," said a fan.
"this might be the Greatest Cover EVER," one wrote.
"Need this as a poster," another said.
Barkley becomes the first Eagle player to appear on the cover of the game since quarterback Donovan McNabb was chosen in 2006. He is also the first running back on the cover since Detroit Lions legend was on it in 2014.