**Saquon Barkley Graces Madden NFL 26 Cover, Joins Elite 99 Club**

EA SPORTS has unveiled a significant milestone in its Madden NFL franchise by featuring Eagles All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley on the cover of Madden NFL 26. This announcement marks a special occasion as Barkley becomes only the second Eagles player to appear on the cover, following Hall of Fame quarterback Donovan McNabb, who was featured on the 2006 edition.

"Appearing on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and being inducted into the Madden NFL 99 Club are achievements that fulfill some of my career-long dreams," Barkley expressed with gratitude. "I owe this honor to the unwavering support of my teammates, coaches, and the incredible Eagles fans. I'm eager to return to the field and create more memorable moments for Madden NFL 26 players."

Highlighting the significance of Barkley's iconic athletic prowess, Evan Dexter, VP of Franchise Strategy & Marketing for EA SPORTS Madden NFL, remarked, "Saquon's reverse hurdle was a defining moment in NFL history, reminiscent of what used to be considered 'something out of a video game.' This testament to his extraordinary athleticism and creativity is what Madden NFL 26 aims to deliver, offering players an unparalleled real NFL experience."

In addition to showcasing Barkley's extraordinary skill on the cover, Madden NFL 26 honors him as the first offensive player in Eagles history to join the exclusive Madden 99 Club, the highest rating a player can achieve in the game. Barkley joins the ranks of only two other Eagles players who have previously reached this prestigious rating: kicker David Akers in Madden NFL 06 and Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins in Madden NFL 04.

Furthermore, Barkley's achievement highlights the legacy of elite Eagles players known for their high overall ratings. Notable mentions include Lane Johnson (98, Madden NFL 24), Evan Mathis (98, Madden NFL 15), Terrell Owens (98, Madden NFL 06), LeSean McCoy (97, Madden NFL 15), Brian Westbrook (97, Madden NFL 09), and Donovan McNabb (97, Madden NFL 06).

With Barkley's electrifying performance immortalized in Madden NFL 26, fans can look forward to experiencing more of the excitement and dynamic plays he brings to the field every game.