Since becoming part of the Philadelphia Eagles,superstar running back Saquon Barkley has collected a ton of great memories. That continues to be true in the 2025 NFL offseason. Just take for example the honor he received by beingnamed as the cover of the Madden NFL 26.
There will be two covers for the video game, each with Barkley wearing different uniforms. Also, a big inspiration for the cover was the incredible move he made during a 2024 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars that saw him evade a defender by leaping backwards.
In that game, Barkley torched the Jaguars’ defense for a total of 159 rushing yards and a touchdown on 27 carries while also collecting 40 receiving yards and a touchdown on just three carries to help Philly score a 28-23 victory.
Philadelphia Eagles, Saquon Barkley
Feb 14, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley (26) lifts the Lombardi Trophy during the Super Bowl LIX championship parade and rally. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images
Saquon Barkley makes Tom Holland comment after video game cover shoot
Philadelphia Eagles, Saquon Barkley
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
During the shoot for the game’s cover, the former Penn State Nittany Lions star was asked to recreate his move, but with the use of a harness. It’s something Barkley is clearly not used to doing, leading to a deeper appreciation for movie actors, including Tom Holland of the “Spider-Man franchise.”
“It definitely made me respect someone like Tom Holland who does superhero movies and is strapped in all the time,” Barkley said (h/tESPN). “It’s definitely harder than you think.”
The question now for Madden is whether he’ll be able to avoid the proverbial “Madden Curse.”
In the 2024 season, Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns on 345 carries.
Philadelphia Eagles, Saquon Barkley
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (88) celebrates with Barkley (26) after his touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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