Saquon Barkley Celebrated as Madden 26 Cover Athlete at Geno's Steaks

Saquon Barkley Celebrated as Madden 26 Cover Athlete at Geno's Steaks

The accolades for Philadelphia Eagles' running back Saquon Barkley keep increasing. On a momentous Monday morning, Barkley was officially announced as the cover athlete for Madden 26, a designation that elevates him to a celebrated status among NFL players. Hours after this announcement, a renowned icon of South Philadelphia, Geno's Steaks, marked this achievement in grand fashion by inviting Barkley to join the festivities.

Barkley himself took part in the celebration, grilling cheesesteaks in front of enthusiastic Eagles fans at the famous eatery. "It's amazing to be on the cover of Madden, it's something you dream about as a kid," Barkley remarked, capturing the childhood dream essence of reaching such an esteemed milestone.

Before his arrival at Geno's, the iconic restaurant had transformed into a themed celebration zone named "Steakquon's." This festive atmosphere featured impressive, larger-than-life images of Barkley on the cover of Madden 26, alongside a playful depiction of him leaping over the iconic cheesesteak roof topper, emphasizing his connection to the city and its famous cuisine.

"I just went out there and actually took a picture of it because it's super cool," he commented about the vibrant display. The athlete revealed that he had learned about his cover status earlier in the spring, a moment made even more special by the attendance of local legends such as Chris Long and DeSean Jackson, as well as former NFL star Chad OchoCinco, who all joined in the celebration of Barkley's accomplishment.

Long highlighted Barkley’s rapid rise in the city, stating, "It's pretty cool for a guy who just got here. He's all over the roof of one of the most iconic buildings in the city in less than a year. He deserves it all." This statement underscores the immediate and genuine connection Barkley has made with the Philadelphia community.

After a lively evening of grilling cheesesteaks, Barkley took time to engage with fans, signing autographs and posing for photographs. He reminisced about his memorable play against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9, which was showcased on the Madden 26 cover. "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 said, reflecting on the physical demands of the game.

Barkley articulated his admiration for the Madden franchise, stating, "Madden is so iconic and such an iconic game. Any time you can attach yourself to something iconic, it's special." This sentiment resonated with many fans who eagerly attended the event.

Fans began lining up early at Geno's, excited to see Barkley in person. Anthony Girardo, a long-time fan of the franchise remarked, "I have been playing Madden since Madden 13, so it's a big deal. I love Madden." Another fan, Rick Eaches, expressed admiration for Barkley's swift acceptance in Philadelphia, noting, "He's so beloved after just one year, he instantly just kind of clicked with this city and it's just amazing."

Overall, this celebration not only marked a significant milestone for Barkley as he embarks on his professional career but also highlighted the profound connection between an athlete and the passionate fanbase of Philadelphia.