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

Philadelphia Eagles star running back, Saquon Barkley, has been chosen to feature on the cover of "Madden NFL 26," as announced by EA Sports on Monday. In a remarkable double achievement, Barkley has also been inducted into the prestigious Madden 99 Club, marking the first time an offensive player from the Eagles has earned this honor.

"Starring on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and being named to the Madden NFL 99 Club are both dreams come true," expressed Barkley. "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, who is currently the reigning Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year, delivered an extraordinary season that will be remembered in NFL history. He amassed a staggering 2,504 rushing yards during the regular season and postseason, breaking the single-season rushing record. While he came close to surpassing Eric Dickerson's regular-season rushing title, he finished just 101 yards short. This was a calculated decision by the Eagles to rest their starters in the final game against Barkley's former team, the New York Giants, prioritizing their health for the playoff run.

This strategy proved successful, as Barkley rushed for 499 yards and scored five touchdowns throughout the playoffs, aiding the Eagles in securing their second Lombardi Trophy. One of Barkley's standout moments came in early November, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Facing a third-and-6, Barkley executed an impressive reverse hurdle over cornerback Jarrian Jones, adding to a 14-yard gain and leaving fans in awe.

"Saquon's reverse hurdle was one of the rare, defining moments in NFL history that would have once been described as 'something out of a video game,'" said Evan Dexter, vice president of franchise strategy and marketing for EA Sports Madden NFL. "Now, it's a display of the athleticism and creativity of one of football's most electrifying athletes. Madden NFL 26 will deliver the most real NFL experience we've ever built so that players can experience more of the unreal moments that Saquon put on display all season long. The full reveal is this Wednesday -- don't miss what's next."

In Madden NFL 26, Barkley’s exceptional skills are appropriately reflected with top ratings in spin moves, juke, agility, and change of direction. His induction into the Madden 99 Club is especially noteworthy as he becomes the first Eagles player in 20 years to join this elite group, following safety Brian Dawkins (Madden 04) and kicker David Akers (Madden 06).