'I hate this' – NFL fans fear Madden 'curse' will strike history-making Super Bowl winner after 2026 cover is announced
02/06/2025 22:43
Donald Trump's 12-word message to Super Bowl winner Saquon Barkley after meeting Eagles star at POTUS's golf club
TRUMP MEETS SAQUON
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NFL fans are fearing for Saquon Barkley after he was put on the cover of Madden 26.
The Madden curse has long terrified fans, and now it is set to haunt another star player.
EASaquon Barkley has been named as the Madden 26 cover athlete[/caption]
GettyFans are scared that Saquon will become a victim of the Madden curse[/caption]
Saquon Barkley was perhaps the best player in the NFL in 2024, and he was rewarded by being placed on the cover of Madden 26.
While that is a huge honor for him, it is terrifying for fans.
There has been a scary trend of players getting injured or their careers never being the same after being placed on the cover of the game.
Philadelphia Eagles fans think this exact situation is going to happen to Barkley.
They shared those concerns on social media.
“Eagles fans realizing that Madden Curse coming for Saquon,” one fan said.
“Eagles fans knowing the Madden Curse is real,” another fan said.
“I hate this,” a third fan said.
“Eagles getting the madden curse,” a fourth fan said.
“Welp. Won't be drafting Saquan in fantasy,” a fifth fan said.
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The most recent victim of the Madden curse was Christian McCaffrey in this last season.
He was put on the cover of Madden 25 after winning the Offensive Player of the Year award.
His 2024 season was riddled with injuries after that, and he played in just four games.
It was one of the least productive seasons of McCaffrey’s entire career.
NFL important dates 2025 season
March 12 - Free Agency begins
April 24-26 – NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin
September 4 – 2025 season opener (TBC vs Eagles)
November 27 – Thanksgiving Day triple header
January 4, 2026 – End of regular-season
February 8, 2026 – Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California
The last victim of the curse before McCaffrey was Rob Gronkowski after being given the nod for Madden 17.
He struggled the entire year with injuries, ending the year on injured reserve.
However, Gronk did still get a Super Bowl ring after the New England Patriots beat the Atlanta Falcons.
The Madden Curse isn’t frequent, but fans should still hold their breath for Saquon’s 2025 season.