Making the cover of a video game is a huge accomplishment, especially within the sports gaming genre. It’s not just a huge endorsement from a gaming publisher trying to peddle a product to the masses — it also makes that player the de facto face of their sports. You know, the kind of face that becomes synonymous with even the most casual of casuals. But what if that prestigious distinction comes with a massive trade-off, like a so-called “curse”?
Earlier today, it was announced that Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley would be on the cover of the upcoming Madden 26. And rightfully so. Barkley is coming off a career year in which he won the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, won a Super Bowl, and rushed for over 2,000 yards, a feat that has only been done 9 times in NFL history.
