Fact or fiction: Should Saquon Barkley worry about the 'Madden curse?' - ESPN

For years, the «Madden curse» has loomed large over the iconic NFL video game franchise.

Legitimate superstition? Simply a myth? The ethos of the curse is simple: If an NFL player appears on the cover of Madden in the summer, the ensuing season is destined to come with a decrease in on-field production or a limiting injury. But has the alleged curse held up in recent years?

To celebrate Saquon Barkley being revealed as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26, here's a look back at the past 10 Madden cover stars — not including Madden 23, whose cover art featured legendary coach John Madden — and their seasons that followed the game's release.

Madden 25 cover star: Christian McCaffrey

The result: Awarded with the Madden cover distinction after a career campaign that earned him Offensive Player of the Year honors, McCaffery struggled with injuries in 2024. The San Francisco 49ers star played in just four games and was placed on injured reserve twice.

Madden 24 cover star: Josh Allen

The result: Allen's season after being featured on the cover proved to be something of a mixed bag. The Buffalo Bills signal-caller combined for 44 touchdowns on the ground and through the air. However, he threw a career-high 18 interceptions.

Madden 22 cover stars: Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady

The result: The two stars sharing the cover each enjoyed strong seasons, though neither returned to the Super Bowl after squaring off against one another for the title the previous season. The 44-year-old Brady threw for 43 touchdowns, his highest total in over a decade. Mahomes wasn't too shabby, either, throwing for 37 TDs.

Madden 21 cover star: Lamar Jackson

The result: Jackson didn't reach the same heights as his 2019 campaign that earned him his first