EA and EA Sports have announced that Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley appears on two unique covers for Madden NFL 26, which releases on August 14. His inclusion on the cover of Madden NFL 26 is certainly earned and comes across as no surprise after last year.
Barkley is the first Eagles player to appear on a Madden NFL cover since Donovan McNabb on Madden 06; in other words, he is the first Eagles player to do so in 20 years. Either way, fans will see Barkley and an incredible reverse huddle on the cover come August 14 on PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Yes, Madden NFL 26 is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2.
Barkley is featured on two covers, with one being the image of his incredible reverse hurdle from last season. Seen below, not only is this an impressive feat for any athlete, but the fact that it was done in opposition to another athlete is incredibly astounding. This moment was already forever immortalized prior to the release of Madden NFL 26, but between it, his induction into the Madden NFL 99 Club, and Barkley's record-breaking season, the choice of Barkley is only a logical conclusion.
Madden NFL 26 Cover Arts
covers of MAdden NFL 26
Barkley is the first player in NFL history to rush for more than 2500 yards in a single season, including playoffs, and he cemented this season in history when he led the Eagles to their victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. As Barkley explained,
“Starring on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and being named to the Madden NFL ‘99 Club’ are both dreams come true. 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.”
Of course, such a dominant player on the cover leads to expectations of dominance for Madden NFL 26 as a football game. Fans will be able to check that out for themselves come June 4 when new features and a proper reveal for Madden NFL 26 takes place. Fans can also expect more information throughout the summer and in the weeks leading up to its release.
Fans can already pre-order Madden NFL 26's Deluxe Edition to get benefits such as early access, 4600 Madden Points, and plenty of extra add-ons. Players who want to take it to the next level can also pick up the EA Sports MVP Bundle, which includes Madden NFL 26 and College Football 26 (which features Alabama WR Ryan Williams and Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith on the covers).