Saquon Barkley’s reverse hurdle over Jaguars player to be featured on ‘Madden 26′ cover

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Running back Saquon Barkley is the cover athlete for the popular “Madden 26″ football game, with an assist from Jaguars player Jarrian Jones.

Barkley had a career year for the Eagles last season, helping Philadelphia win the Super Bowl. But the individual highlight of the season was Barkley’s reverse jump over Jones in a Nov. 3 game against the Jaguars that made it to the cover of the annual game.

At least EA Sports didn’t make it obvious that it was Jones.

The Jaguars logo isn’t visible in the cover photo, so buyers won’t know that it’s Jones being hurdled. His No. 22 isn’t shown either, so the game maker took it easy on the second-year player from Florida State

Barkley caught a pass from Jalen Hurts in the second quarter and put moves on a pair of Jacksonville defenders before encountering Jones in the open field. Jones went low to make the tackle, but Barkley reverse hurdled over the hard-charging rookie to cap a 14-yard gain. The play led to a field goal and 10-0 lead in an eventual 28-23 win.

Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns and earned AP Offensive Player of the Year honors. The Jaguars went 4-13 and essentially hit reset on the team. Jones had a solid rookie season (40 tackles, two sacks, and an interception) for one of the league’s worst defenses.

“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, in a release announcing the cover. “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.”