Mon Jun 02 14:50:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Saquon Barkley Named Madden NFL 26 Cover Athlete, Joins Prestigious ’99 Club’**

**PHILADELPHIA, PA** – Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has achieved a rare double honor: gracing the cover of Madden NFL 26 and earning a spot in the coveted Madden ’99 Club’. EA Sports made the announcement Monday, solidifying Barkley’s place among the NFL’s elite.

Barkley, also named the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year, is coming off a historic season that saw him amass 2,504 total rushing yards, breaking the single-season record. Although he narrowly missed Eric Dickerson’s regular-season record, the Eagles’ decision to rest him ahead of the playoffs proved fruitful, as Barkley went on to dominate the postseason, leading the team to its second Super Bowl victory.

His season was highlighted by an incredible “reverse hurdle” against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This display of agility and creativity was a play, as Evan Dexter, Vice President of Franchise Strategy and Marketing for EA Sports Madden NFL put it, “something out of a video game,” ultimately making Barkley the perfect cover athlete.

“Starring on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and being named to the Madden NFL ’99 Club’ are both dreams come true,” Barkley said. “I’m grateful to my teammates, coaches, and Eagles fans for their support, and I can’t wait to hit the field again to give Madden players more highlight-reel moments in Madden NFL 26.”

Barkley’s exceptional ratings in spin move, juke, agility, and change of direction reflect his on-field dominance. He is the first Eagles offensive player to achieve a ’99 Club’ rating, joining the ranks of Eagles legends Brian Dawkins (Madden 04) and David Akers (Madden 06) in the prestigious group.

The full Madden NFL 26 reveal is scheduled for this Wednesday.

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