Saquon Barkley backwards hurdles on to 'Madden NFL 26' cover
3 minute readPublished: Monday, June 2, 2025 at 4:13 pm

Saquon Barkley's "Reverse Hurdle" Lands Him on Madden NFL 26 Cover
Philadelphia Eagles fans, get ready! Running back Saquon Barkley is gracing the cover of *Madden NFL 26*, marking the first time an Eagle has been featured on the game's cover in two decades. This exciting news comes after a phenomenal season for Barkley and the Eagles, culminating in a Super Bowl LIX victory and a dominant performance throughout the playoffs.
The cover selection is a direct result of Barkley's incredible "Reverse Hurdle" play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 3rd. In a moment that captivated the entire football world, Barkley caught a pass, evaded multiple defenders, and then, with his back turned, leaped over a defender for a first down. The play was so spectacular that EA Sports even added the move to *Madden NFL 25* mid-season.
The "Reverse Hurdle" quickly became the defining image of the 2025 season. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni called it "the best play I've ever seen," highlighting its impact on the team and the city of Philadelphia.
Barkley's cover appearance is a significant moment for the Eagles, echoing Donovan McNabb's *Madden NFL 06* cover after the team's NFC Championship run. The game is set to launch on August 14th, and fans are already buzzing with anticipation. Promotional material is even being filmed in Philadelphia, with a production crew spotted making alterations to Geno's Steaks. This is a huge win for Barkley, the Eagles, and the city of Philadelphia.
Keywords: Saquon Barkley, Madden NFL 26, Eagles, Philadelphia Eagles, Reverse Hurdle, NFL, Super Bowl LIX, EA Sports, Madden NFL 25, Donovan McNabb, football, video game, cover athlete, sports, Philadelphia, Nick Sirianni, Jacksonville Jaguars, Geno's Steaks.