Saquon Barkley makes history as first Madden 26 cover player to be dunking on someone
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley lit up social media during the 2024 NFL regular season after pulling off a jaw-dropping move where he did a backward hurdle over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones to secure a first down. The unbelievable play left fans stunned, including Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni speechless. "It was the […]
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley lit up social media during the 2024 NFL regular season after pulling off a jaw-dropping move where he did a backward hurdle over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones to secure a first down.
The unbelievable play left fans stunned, including Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni speechless.
"It was the best play I've ever seen," Sirianni said. "What I think is so cool, there's going to be kids all over the country and all over Philadelphia trying to make that play and talking about that play and simulating that play as they play backyard football or peewee football. They ain't going to be able to make it. I believe he's the only one in the world that can do that. I'm speechless. It was unbelievable."
That play is now forever etched in everyone's memory as the iconic moment on the Madden 26 cover, also marking the first in the game's history to feature a player dunking on another.
Barkley finished the 2024 regular season with 2,005 rushing yards on 345 attempts and 13 rushing touchdowns. He also hauled in 33 receptions for 278 receiving yards and two more scores. Those numbers were enough to earn him the 2024 NFL's Offensive Player of the Year Award, and helped the Eagles reach a Super Bowl.
His outstanding season was also enough to earn him a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension with Philly, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. His new deal included $36 million fully guaranteed at signing and up to $15 million in incentives, averaging $20.6 million per year, the first time a running back has surpassed the $20 million annual mark.
And now Barkley can add "Madden 26" to his NFL resume.
