There’s one ghost in the realm of NFL superstition that never really dies. It simply loads with every new Madden release. ‘The Madden Curse.’ Some claim that it’s a myth. Some claim it’s simply bad luck disguised in high-definition graphics. But fans prepare for impact each year when EA Sports announces the cover athlete for the next Madden game. Because injury, regression, or mayhem always seem to follow, regardless of how electrifying the talent is.

Adrian Peterson. Michael Vick. Rob Gronkowski. Christian McCaffrey. All elite and cover stars. But each of them ultimately paid the price, whether it was through declines, injuries, or implosions. There is no discrimination in the Madden Curse. It does nothing but wait. Now joining the list is Saquon Barkley. 

Saquon made his way onto the cover of Madden NFL 26 after an incredible, record-breaking season with the Eagles. 2,500+ running yards, a postseason rampage, and a ring on his finger. With the announcement, the NFL even immortalised his reverse hurdle. Because Saquon Barkley didn’t just land on the Madden cover, he dove onto it in full reverse-hurdle glory. “@saquon hurdled his way onto the cover of #Madden26. Coming 8.14.25. Pre-Order Today,” the caption used by EA Sports to reveal the artwork featuring Barkley in midair. And Barkley? By reposting the image on his Instagram story, he dropped the three-word message, “LIFELONG DREAM ACCOMPLISHED!”

It’s safe to say that an Anime-Level back-facing hurdle against the Jaguars is now officially part of video game canon. Barkley appears to be the ideal cover star when you include a Lombardi Trophy and the Eagles’ first membership into the 99 Club in 20 years. But that’s also when the unease starts to appear.

One of the most captivating sportsmen to ever appear on the cover was Michael Vick. Then, before the 2003 season could even start, he broke his right fibula. Adrian Peterson couldn’t live up to his 2000-yard campaign in 2014 after getting featured on the cover and then missing all games except one after being charged with child abuse. Rob Gronkowski, the face of the Madden 17 cover, was sidelined by a back injury that ended his season. And most recently, Christian McCaffrey: Mr. Reliable became Mr. Limited, thanks to a series of injuries that derailed his follow-up campaign.

You see the pattern? So while Barkley’s soaking in the limelight, fans are already starting to see the warning signs. Especially those familiar with the dark history of the Madden Curse.

Fans fear the Madden Curse is coming for Saquon Barkley

NFL fans flocked to the comments section like it was overtime’s fourth-and-goal, in full-on panic, as soon as the Madden 26 cover image went up. One wrote, “please god protect us from this curse.” A fan’s prayer or perhaps a desperate appeal to the football gods. Since they have previously seen this script, the curse finds new ways to strike, even when athletes take precautions to avoid injury. Another chimed in, “alright so I’m NOT drafting Saquon in fantasy this year.”

This tendency has been observed much too frequently by fantasy managers. They’re already modifying their draft boards to include the possibility that Barkley will be the next player to get hit by this curse. As another said, “Dammit we don’t need the Madden curse.” And that’s probably an Eagles fan, still hungover from the Super Bowl parade and maybe was preparing for another.

Because even the golden boy of the Chiefs wasn’t spared. Patrick Mahomes on the 2020 cover, that season ended in a brutal Super Bowl loss, three sacks, and a whole lot of turf in his helmet. Another fan cried, “NO MAN WHY??? NOW WE ARE CURSED.” And that’s the crux of it all. It’s not just random, it’s backed by years of examples.

The curse has patterns. Names. Proof. And fans are already preparing for a recurrence of the past. As one of tehm worte, “now i gotta buy this shit birdgang please don’t get injured.” Some fans are giving up and buying the game already. “You had a good run Barkley.” That reads like a retirement toast. A eulogy before preseason even begins.

But, putting superstition aside, Barkley had a superhuman season. He has digital cheat-code-level stats. He earned this cover. And he might be the one to end the cycle. But whether it’s “dream” or horror, only time will tell.