Former Penn State RB Saquon Barkley Named Madden NFL 26 Cover Athlete

Saquon Barkley has made Penn State, video game history. 

Following a Super Bowl win in his first year with the Philadelphia Eagles, Barkley will be featured on the cover of Madden NFL 26. He’s the first Nittany Lion to ever be named as the game’s cover athlete.

Barkley was also given a 99 overall rating, the first Eagles player to join the exclusive club since kicker David Akers in 2006.

“Starring on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and being named to the Madden NFL ‘99 Club’ are both dreams come true,” Barkley said in a statement. “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 led the NFL with 2,283 scrimmage yards this past season, scoring 15 total touchdowns on his way to becoming the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year.

Barkley, an All-American selection at Penn State in 2017, has blossomed into one of modern football’s greatest players. He finished this past year 101 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson’s regular-season rushing record.