The Madden Curse is a popular belief among football fans. It suggests that NFL players who appear on the cover of the Madden video game often face bad luck afterward. This bad luck usually comes in the form of injuries or a drop in performance. Over the years, many star players have been linked to the curse.
Now, Saquon Barkley’s name is being added to the list. After an impressive season and a Super Bowl win, he has been chosen for the Madden NFL 26 cover. While it is a great honor, some fans worry if he will suffer the same fate as others who came before him.
Saquon Barkley’s Strong 2024 Season
Barkley had an amazing season in 2024 with the Philadelphia Eagles. He ran for 2,005 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. His great performance helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LIX.
One of his most talked-about moments was when he jumped over a defender by going backward, which was very rare and exciting to see. This play became popular and was chosen as the cover image for Madden NFL 26. Barkley’s skills also earned him a spot in the Madden 99 Club, which is given only to players who have the highest rating in the video game.
What Is The Madden Curse?
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The Madden Curse is the belief that players who are on the cover of the Madden video game usually get injured or perform badly in the season that follows. This idea started when some fans noticed a pattern after Garrison Hearst got hurt in 1999. Since then, many famous players have faced problems after being on the cover. Some got injured while others had poor seasons compared to their usual standards.
Here’s a list of past players who had been affected by the same curse:
- In 2025, Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers played only four games due to a right knee injury.
- In 2017, Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots missed the first four games of the next season and started only six games because of a herniated disk and other injuries.
- In 2012, Peyton Hillis of the Cleveland Browns missed six games and never reached the same level again.
- In 2011, Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints threw a career-high 22 interceptions and missed the playoffs.
- In 2010, Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers missed 11 games due to an MCL injury.
- In 2009, Brett Favre of the New York Jets led the league with 22 interceptions.
- In 2008, Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans threw only nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions before getting benched.
- In 2007, Shaun Alexander of the Seattle Seahawks rushed for only 896 yards after five seasons with over 1,000 yards.
- In 2006, Donovan McNabb of the Philadelphia Eagles missed half the season due to injuries and later had a public fight with Terrell Owens.
- In 2004, Michael Vick of the Atlanta Falcons broke his leg a week after the game’s release and missed most of the season.
- In 2003, Marshall Faulk of the Rams failed to reach 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in six years and never did again.
- In 2002, Daunte Culpepper of the Minnesota Vikings missed six games and lost 16 fumbles.
How Did Saquon Barkley Respond To The Madden Curse?
Saquon Barkley is not afraid of the curse. He says that injuries are part of the game and does not believe in bad luck. He believes that preparation and hard work are more important. Barkley has come back from injuries before and always gives his best. He says he will continue playing hard and focusing on his job.
Players Who Broke The Madden Curse
Some players were not affected by the curse. Calvin Johnson had a record-breaking season in 2013 after being on the cover. He caught 122 passes for 1,964 yards and five touchdowns. Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes also had strong seasons after being on the Madden curse. They both played at a high level and helped their teams win games.
What Do Fans Have To Say About Saquon Barkley’s Situation?
Fans have mixed feelings about Saquon Barkley being on the cover. Some are proud and excited, while others worry about the curse. Many hope that Barkley will prove the curse wrong by having another great season. All eyes will be on him as the 2025 NFL season begins.
Also Read: Saquon Barkley Net Worth 2025: All About His Contracts, Endorsements & More
