Eagles RB Saquon Barkley Lands Madden 26 Cover: Should Fans Be Concerned About the Curse?
Philadelphia Eagles superstar RB Saquon Barkley was announced as the cover athlete for Madden 26 on Monday. Following a record-breaking debut season in the City Of Brotherly Love that was capped off with a victory in Super Bowl LIX, Barkley rightfully received the prestigious honor of being named the game’s cover athlete.
While being on the cover of Madden is a lifelong dream for many football players, fans are often concerned about the “Madden Curse” impacting their favorite teams. Does the infamous curse still exist and should Eagles fans be worried about Barkley?
Here’s a closer look at the Madden cover athletes over the last decade and why there are reasons to be both optimistic and concerned about Barkley being featured on the cover of Madden 26.
Madden 25 - Christian McCaffrey: Following an All-Pro campaign and a trip to the Super Bowl in 2023, McCaffrey was bit by the injury bug after landing on the cover of Madden 25. McCaffrey appeared in just four games, recording 348 total yards and no touchdowns. The 49ers finished with a final record of 6-11 and didn’t make the playoffs.
Madden 24 - Josh Allen: After a Pro Bowl caliber performance in 2022, Allen struggled with turnovers after being on the cover of Madden 24. Allen threw a career-high 18 interceptions and the Bills finished with a final record of 11-6. Buffalo lost in the Divisional Round of the playoffs to the Chiefs.
Madden 23 - John Madden: The prestigious franchise honored the late great namesake for Madden 23, John Madden. He was a Hall of Famer that won a Super Bowl as an NFL head coach before transitioning to becoming one of the most legendary commentators in sports history.
Madden 22 - Tom Brady/Patrick Mahomes: After facing off in Super Bowl LV, Brady and Mahomes appeared together on the cover of Madden 22. While the legendary QB duo combined to throw 80 touchdowns after landing on the cover, they each failed to reach the Super Bowl again in 2022.
Madden 21 - Lamar Jackson: Following an MVP caliber performance in 2019, Jackson was rightfully named the cover athlete for Madden 21. Yet he took a slight step back in 2020, throwing nine interceptions and failing to be named to the Pro Bowl or an All-Pro. The Ravens lost in the Divisional Round of the playoffs to the Bills.
Madden 20 - Patrick Mahomes: After winning MVP in 2019, Mahomes lived up to the hype of being named the cover athlete of Madden 20. Mahomes threw 26 touchdowns and just five interceptions on his way to leading the Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl LIV.
Madden 19 - Antonio Brown: The superstar WR was coming off four consecutive All-Pro campaigns when he landed the cover of Madden 19. He had a successful season in 2018, hauling in 104 receptions for 1,297 yards and a career-high 15 touchdowns. Yet his individual success didn’t equate to team success, as the Steelers went 9-6-1 and missed the playoffs.
Madden 18 - Tom Brady: Following an epic comeback victory in Super Bowl LI, Brady was named the cover athlete for Madden 18. Despite passing for 4,500 yards and 32 touchdowns, Brady and the Patriots ultimately fell short to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII.
Madden 17 - Rob Gronkowski: After being named a First-team All-Pro in back-to-back seasons, Gronkowski landed the Madden 17 cover. Yet his season was plagued by injuries, as he played in just eight games, hauling in 25 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns. Despite missing Gronkowski, the Patriots were still able to win Super Bowl LI.
Madden 16 - Odell Beckham Jr.: The young superstar WR appeared on the cover of Madden 16 after a memorable rookie season. Beckham hauled in 96 receptions for 1,450 yards and 13 touchdowns en route to being named a First-team All-Pro in his second season. While Beckham was dominant, the Giants went 6-10 and missed the playoffs.