It was a move “straight out of a video game”: Saquon Barkley’s backward hurdle. The Eagles running back now graces the cover of Madden NFL 26 and joins the 99 Club.
Saquon Barkley’s backward hurdle has long been one of the most iconic scenes in the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles running back spectacularly jumped over the back of Jaguars defender Jarrian Jones – and scored a touchdown.
With this highlight, the 28-year-old has not only secured a place in the history books, but also on the cover of EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26. The developer announced this in an official statement. “Saquon’s backward hurdle was one of those rare, game-changing NFL moments that you would have described as ‘straight out of a video game’ in the past,” said Evan Dexter, vice president of franchise strategy and marketing for Madden NFL.
Barkley will not only be the cover athlete – he will also receive a rare 99 rating. This makes him the first Eagles offensive player to receive this honor. “Both of these are dreams come true for me,” Barkley commented.
Previously, only two Eagles players had received a 99 rating: kicker David Akers (Madden NFL 06) and safety Brian Dawkins (Madden NFL 04). A total of six Eagles offensive players achieved a rating of 97 or higher: Lane Johnson (98, Madden NFL 24), Evan Mathis (98, Madden NFL 15), Terrell Owens (98, Madden NFL 06), LeSean McCoy (97, Madden NFL 15), Brian Westbrook (97, Madden NFL 09) and Donovan McNabb (97, Madden NFL 06).
Release date and prices
While the regular NFL season doesn’t start until September 5, Madden NFL 26 kicks off on August 14 and will be available in three editions: