The superstitious among football (and fantasy football) fans are giving each other knowing glances as Madden 26 cover athlete Saquon Barkley struggles with his worst start in recent memory. The superstar ranks dead last in the league at yards per carry with 3.3. Last year, he averaged almost six yards a carry. He's running for only 52 yards per game, while in 2024 he averaged 125 yards a game. I don't consider myself superstitious, but he is on the Madden cover.
Many believe the athlete who appears on the cover of the annual football sim is doomed to a forgettable and possibly injury-filled season. Madden 25 cover star Christian McCaffrey is certainly an argument in the curse's favor, as his 2024-25 was nonexistent as he battled injury after injury.
LaDainian Tomlinson, star of football's then San Diego Chargers, famously declined the cover of Madden 07. He told the Pivot Podcast that it had nothing to do with any superstition, but rather he didn't feel the financial offer was worth it. The cover eventually went to Shaun Alexander, who got one of the worst curses in the franchise's infamous history. He suffered a broken foot and was out of the league two years later.
Those looking for a more realistic explanation argue that the athlete selected for the cover is often coming off a career year. As any veteran fantasy football player can tell you, nobody breaks a record two seasons in a row. This is especially true for running backs such as Alexander, McCaffrey, and of course, Madden 26 cover star Barkley.
Barkley touched the ball 482 times last year while earning 2,005 rushing yards. Madden cover or no, that many high-speed collisions just isn't sustainable. There was always going to be regression. It's also worth noting that much of the Philadelphia Eagles' offense is struggling. Barkley's dominance in 2024 was aided by the passing threat presented by teammates Jalen Hurts, Devonta Smith, and A.J. Brown.
All I know is if I played pro football, I'd do a LaDainian Tomlinson if anybody at EA came calling.