NFL in 2024, and provided us with an all-time highlight during a November game against the Jaguars. Now, a photo of the iconic “reverse hurdle” will be featured on one of the most popular video games that will be releasing this fall.
Saquon Barkley Chosen As Madden 26 NFL Cover Athlete
EA Sports announced their intentions for the cover of their globally popular video game on Monday. Barkley’s impressive “video game” move that he made during Philadelphia’s Week 9 contest has now been immortalized by the Madden NFL franchise. The image will be on the cover of the Madden 26 game that will come out in a couple of months, which represents a big honor for any player in the league.
The cover of #Madden26: pic.twitter.com/PAfgIO9RZ5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 2, 2025
The footage of Barkley’s unreal athletic feat was arguably the most impressive highlight of the year. In the second quarter of that game against the Jaguars, Barkley took a screen on the left side from quarterback Jalen Hurts. He made two defenders miss with nifty moves, and then turned his back on another approaching defender.
Barkley then jumped and kicked his legs up, allowing Jacksonville cornerback Jarrian Jones to underneath while whiffing on a potential tackle. It was one of the more unique moves that we have seen on an NFL field in some time.
SAQUON JUST HIT A REVERSE HURDLE ⁉️
OMG. 🤯
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/uZ11M3qA59
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 3, 2024
Saquon Barkley is deserving of the Madden cover regardless of his famous move. He had a career year with the Eagles in 2024, leading the league in rushing yards, scrimmage yards, and overall touches, all while sitting out the final game of the season. He finished just 101 yards shy of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record.
Philadelphia would go on to win the Super Bowl and Barkley was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Barkley Also A Part Of The “99 Club”
Barkley is now a part of the elusive “99 Club” on Madden, reserved for the players who have the highest skill ratings in the game. The running back himself said the following about the video game honors:
“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 , and I can’t wait to hit the field again to give Madden players more highlight-reel moments in Madden NFL 26.”
The Eagles will start off their title defense by playing on a Thursday to open the NFL season. They’ll take on the division rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 of their schedule.
