Saquon Barkley Celebrates Madden 26 Cover at Geno's Steaks

Saquon Barkley stepped into the spotlight Monday morning as he was announced as the cover athlete for Madden 26. The Philadelphia Eagles' running back, known for his electrifying plays, quickly became the talk of the town.

Just hours after the announcement, Barkley made a special appearance at Geno's Steaks, a South Philadelphia landmark, where he joined fans in celebrating this significant milestone. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as he prepared cheesesteaks, delighting a crowd of eager supporters.

"It's amazing to be on the cover of Madden; it's something you dream about as a kid," Barkley expressed, reflecting on the honor.

In anticipation of his visit, Geno's transformed into "Steakquon's," showcasing massive images of Barkley’s Madden 26 cover. One striking image depicted him leaping over the iconic cheesesteak roof topper, a sight that thrilled both fans and the athlete himself. "I just went out there and actually took a picture of it because it's super cool," he remarked.

Barkley revealed that he learned about his cover status earlier in the spring. The celebration included appearances from Philadelphia legends Chris Long and DeSean Jackson, along with former NFL star Chad OchoCinco. Long praised Barkley’s rapid rise, stating, "It's pretty cool for a guy who just got here. He deserves it all."

As the evening progressed, Barkley grilled cheesesteaks, signed autographs, and posed for photos with fans. He also recounted a memorable moment from Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars that contributed to his cover image. "A lot of people don't know, (on) that play I probably took the hardest hit of the year; I literally had to come out," he shared.

"Madden is so iconic and such an iconic game," Barkley continued. "Any time you can attach yourself to something iconic, it's special."

Fans arrived early at Geno's, eager to catch a glimpse of their hero. "I have been playing Madden since Madden 13, so it's a big deal. I love Madden," said Anthony Girardo, one of the many enthusiastic attendees.

Rick Eaches added, "He's so beloved after just one year; he instantly just kind of clicked with this city and it's just amazing."