Social Media
Saquon Barkley is the cover of Madden 26 — Should the Eagles star worry about falling …
When Saquon Barkley pulled off his jaw-dropping reverse hurdle last season, it didn’t just electrify fans — it etched his name into football history. That kind of play doesn’t just dominate highlight reels; it earns the ultimate pop culture nod in the NFL universe: a Madden cover. And for the 2026 edition of EA Sports’ iconic video game, it’s Barkley’s moment in the spotlight.
Will the Madden curse strike again with Saquon Barkley gracing the cover this year?
The Philadelphia Eagles’ star running back has officially been announced as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26, a recognition that puts him in elite company. Not only that, Barkley has been named to the prestigious Madden 99 Club — becoming the first Eagles offensive player to receive the honor. “Starring on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and being named to the Madden NFL ’99 Club’ are both dreams come true,” Barkley said. “I’m grateful to my teammates, coaches and Eagles fans for their support, and I can’t wait to hit the field again to give Madden players more highlight-reel moments in Madden NFL 26.”
After a season where he shattered records with 2,504 rushing yards — the highest single-season total in league history — Barkley’s spot on the cover seems more than justified. He also walked away with the AP Offensive Player of the Year award, further cementing his status as one of the league’s most dominant forces.
But with this honor comes a shadowy question — is Barkley destined to be the next victim of the infamous “Madden Curse”?
The so-called Madden Curse has been a part of NFL lore since the franchise began featuring players on its cover in 1999. The theory? That a featured athlete’s following season is marked by injury, underperformance, or sheer bad luck. Over the years, it’s claimed some of the biggest names in football — Marshall Faulk, Michael Vick, and even reigning stars like Odell Beckham Jr. and Christian McCaffrey.
Of the 27 athletes who’ve graced the cover since 1999, 16 have ended up injured the following season. Others saw steep declines in performance. The curse may not come for everyone, but it has shown up often enough to spark superstition among fans and players alike.
However, recent trends suggest the Madden Curse might be losing steam. Only 2.5 of the last 10 cover stars from 2014–2024 have suffered what could be called a “cursed” season. Even in cases like Josh Allen (Madden 24), while his interceptions spiked, he still produced a strong season overall. Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady, co-cover stars for Madden 22, delivered top-tier performances even if they fell short of Super Bowl glory. So while the curse has certainly touched careers, its grip seems to be loosening in the modern era.
Saquon Barkley isn’t stepping into this spotlight blind. He’s coming off a historic campaign with the confidence of someone who already conquered the physical and mental hurdles that come with elite-level football. His addition to the 99 Club puts him in a rare tier — joining Eagles legends like Brian Dawkins (Madden 04) and David Akers (Madden 06) — and reaffirms that he’s not just making plays; he’s redefining the running back position.
EA Sports VP Evan Dexter summed it up perfectly: “Saquon’s reverse hurdle was one of the rare, defining moments in NFL history that would have once been described as ‘something out of a video game.’” Now, it’s literally in one.
The real question is whether the so-called curse will interrupt Barkley’s momentum. Given his physical condition, surrounding offensive talent in Philadelphia, and the calculated way he trains and manages his body, he might be one of the most prepared cover athletes to date.
Let’s not forget — superstition doesn’t score touchdowns, and curses don’t chase down safeties. Preparation, grit, and a powerful offensive line do.
Get IPL 2025 match schedules, squads, points table, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Social Media
Top China athlete praised for looks and talent concedes that she embodies strength, beauty
Rising Chinese high jump star, Shao Yuqi, has gone viral for her athletic performance and striking appearance.
Advertisement
The athlete has also attracted attention and praise for challenging traditional beauty stereotypes in sport.
On August 1, Shao, 23, from the Hubei provincial track and field team based in central China, claimed the women’s high jump title at the 2025 Chinese National Athletics Championships with a leap of 1.90 metres.
Following her victory, Shao went viral on mainland social media for both her performance and her striking looks.
One of her videos on social media showcasing the competition got more than 3 million likes.
Shao was introduced to the high jump at primary school, where her athletic potential was quickly recognised after she effortlessly cleared a one-metre bar during a tryout.
Advertisement
“There were so many stereotypes in primary school. People assumed that if I went into sports, I would waste my life, maybe end up at a sports school at best,” Shao told Jiupai News.
From virality to duality, Abby can do it all, from singing to rapping and laying everything on the line.
Additional reporting by Michael Mais Jr.
Staten Island doesn’t always get the spotlight in New York-based hip-hop but when it does it tends to produce something legendary, like a certain nine-member rap group. And in a time where attention spans are short and trends move even faster, one artist is making sure her name sticks: Abby Jasmine.
Long before viral buzz and algorithm-charged exposure, Abby was sharpening her skills in one of the most organic places imaginable: the church. With a father rooted deeply in gospel and musical tradition, she grew up surrounded by melody and message. It was there, among choirs and sermons, that Abby found both her first stage and first audience.
As a youth, that foundation became fuel, and with a few friends and a lot of ambition, she formed a church rap group. Mixing harmonies and hard-hitting bars, what started as a simple creative outlet quickly gained momentum. By the late 2010s, Abby would tap into viral moments that introduced her style and sound to audiences beyond Shaolin.
Advertisement
However, Abby’s rise is not rooted in luck, but in pure skill that has been sharpened by life, faith, and a relentless drive to be heard. Her lyrics carry clarity, confidence, and depth, standing out in a digital era flooded with noise. Rather than chase co-signs or shortcuts, Abby is building a legacy on her own terms while doing it with grace, grit, and bars that hit.
In her Players Pass interview with Okayplayer, we step into Abby’s world as she opens up about her creative process, inspiration, and what it really takes to make timeless music in her favorite spot, the Cash Only Deli. “I grew up very community-based,” Abby shares. “But that also goes into how I like to make my music. I like to make a community with the producers, the songwriters, and just work with the same people.” Her approach to collaboration is rooted in trust and synergy, a sharp contrast to an internet-rooted culture of disunity that is prevalent in the music industry today.
When asked about her musical inspirations, Abby reflects on growth and perspective, pointing at SZA’s 2017 debut album as a blueprint of her own artistry. “I didn’t really understand Ctrl when it first came out,” she admits. “But now that I am older, I can really appreciate it.” finding new meaning in music once overlooked is a sign of evolution, not just as an artist, but as a woman navigating the world in real-time. That is evident in her song “Caught Up.”
Her creative process is one that is intentional. “When I get my own ideas, I have my own setup and crib when I go home,” Abby says. That sense of independence has become central to her artistry and allows her to carve out space to create on her own terms, without noise or pressure.
“My studio essentials are vibes, silence, and I don’t like so many people in the session,” she continues. For Abby, music is as much about space, energy, and staying tapped into something that is real as it is the sound.
Abby Jasmine is part of a new generation of artists who no longer need to wait for permission. She’s blending her past with her present, building a future where authenticity is louder than hype. And whether she’s going viral or staying lowkey, one thing’s for certain: she is here to stay.
Several healthcare workers at Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara, California, were fired after a TikTok video surfaced showing them mocking patients in an exam room. The video, originally posted by a former employee, depicted staff posing with patients’ bodily fluids on exam tables, with captions like “Are patients allowed to leave you guys gifts?” and “Make sure you leave your healthcare workers sweet gifts like these.” The video quickly went viral, sparking outrage online and prompting Sutter Health, which operates the clinic, to take swift action.
Sutter Health confirmed that all employees involved in the video were terminated, emphasizing that the behavior violated their policies and disrespected patients. The health system stated, “Protecting the trust of those we serve is our highest priority, and when that trust is violated, we take swift action.”
The incident drew widespread condemnation on social media platforms like Reddit and Instagram, where users criticized the workers for their unprofessional conduct. One commenter on Reddit remarked, “No place for shaming the patient in medicine,” while another questioned the clinic’s culture that allowed such behavior.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Sansum Clinic was notified of the video by concerned patients and conducted a review, placing the employees on administrative leave within 24 hours and terminating them shortly after. Sutter Health reiterated their commitment to patient privacy and dignity, using the incident to reinforce their policies with all team members.
The Santa Barbara Independent noted that the video gained traction over Labor Day weekend, leading to a wave of negative reviews on the clinic’s Yelp page. Sutter Health stated that they are conducting a full investigation and that any staff associated with the content are on administrative leave pending the outcome.
USC grads Nolan Kahal and Sean Morrissey reveal how they built SaunaBox, the Huntington Beach wellness startup endorsed by pro athletes.
Nolan Kahal and Sean Morrissey are the co-founders of SaunaBox, the Huntington Beach-based viral wellness startup that’s bringing the luxury of a steam room into your home. The young entrepreneurs are USC graduates and former NCAA athletes who started their company at just 25 years old and have created a brand that’s endorsed by professional athletes. In today’s episode, Kahal and Morrissey discuss how they came up with the brand, their biggest hurdles and highlights, and more.
Listen and watch every Thursday here.
Aryna Sabalenka put on a clinic during Tuesday night’s match against Qinwen Zheng, winning in straight sets to advance to the semifinals of the US Open.
One of Sabalenka’s coaches, Jason Stacy, went viral during Tuesday night’s match because he was wearing an “XX-XY” hat at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
This hat was made by the XX-XY Athletics brand. Their goal is to protect women’s sports.
“It is simply undeniable that sex matters, especially in sport. It is the single biggest determinant of athletic performance,” the brand’s mission statement reads. “Men and women are different. It’s just a fact. Men have XY chromosomes and more testosterone which makes them stronger and faster.”
While some people support XX-XY Athletics, others believe Sabalenka’s coach is sending a bad message at the US Open, particularly towards the transgender community.
“So what’s up with sabalenka’s coach’s transphobic hat,” one person said.
Another person tweeted, “Is nobody really going to ask @SabalenkaA about her loser physio wearing that disgusting hat?”
“I love that Sabalenka’s coach is wearing that hat,” a third person wrote.
It’s unlikely Sabalenka’s coach addresses all this backlash in the middle of the US Open. Perhaps he’ll field some questions after the tournament comes to an end.
Sabalenka will be back in action at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday night against Emma Navarro.
Related: Tennis Star Aryna Sabalenka Turns Heads In Swimsuit Photos
Fans of pro football—and fans of Jesus—likely know about big-name players who profess faith in Christ. But not all Christians in the NFL are household names…yet.
So in addition to high-profile Christian athletes who get lots of press? Let’s look at other football players who glorify God, both on and off the field.
Note: Last week, NFL teams had to cut their rosters to 53 players. So the careers of some of these athletes are now in flux.
RELATED: 9 Christian Football Players Who Glorify Jesus in the NFL
9 More NFL Players Who Are Christians
1. Tyson Bagent (Chicago Bears)
Tyson Bagent, an undrafted quarterback from a Division II college, started four games his rookie year, after Justin Fields was injured. Bagent is known for his hard work, preparation, and strong faith in Jesus. Tyler Haines, who coached Bagent at Shepherd University, told CBS Sports the QB is “a faithful Christian churchgoer,” which “helps make him who he is.”
Bagent had limited playing time in 2024 as a backup. But the Bears recently rewarded him with a two-year, $10 million contract extension. That deal, which could stretch to $16 million with incentives, is life-changing, according to Bagent, 25.
Video went viral of the athlete telling reporters, “My dad is my right-hand man. He didn’t have running water until high school, so there’s definitely a lot of people I can certainly help with this gift I’ve been blessed with.” The West Virginia native added, “It’s certainly a weight off my shoulders and my family’s shoulders.”
Continue reading on the next page
NASCAR insider reveals seven expected cars vying for remaining Daytona 500 open spots
Mark Cuban makes donation to Indiana for 2026 transfer portal cycle, claims Hoosiers are ‘happier this year’
ESPN predicts outcomes of both College Football Playoff Semifinal games
NHL Winter Classic 2027 game will be held in Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium
Capital University to upgrade its fieldhouse for fall
Is NIL and the transfer portal good for college football?
Calallen’s Aubrey Navarro signs to run D1 track at SFA
Three major college football programs battling for former 5-star recruit
Catch up with Trevor Johnson, AISD Press Conference and Iron Plains Youth Football League
Short-Handed Cougars Fall to Wildcats
Gaming brand ROG unveils a range of next-generation gaming innovative products at CES 2026! Wi-Fi 8 router that presents new value, innovative 240Hz AR glasses, and more!
What’s new at the Water Tower Recreation Center
$2.1 million QB turns down ‘lucrative NIL packages’ to enter transfer portal
Gaming brand ROG unveils a range of next-generation gaming innovative products at CES 2026! Wi-Fi 8 router that presents new value, innovative 240Hz AR glasses, and more!
Ole Miss turns into an unlikely college football powerhouse
SoundGear Named Entitlement Sponsor of Spears CARS Tour Southwest Opener
DeSantis Talks College Football, Calls for Reforms to NIL and Transfer Portal · The Floridian
#11 Volleyball Practices, Then Meets Media Prior to #2 Kentucky Match
Stempien to seek opening for Branch County Circuit Court Judge | WTVB | 1590 AM · 95.5 FM
Maine wraps up Fall Semester with a win in Black Bear Invitational
Ross Brawn to receive Autosport Gold Medal Award at 2026 Autosport Awards, Honouring a Lifetime Shaping Modern F1
Nascar legal saga ends as 23XI, Front Row secure settlement
Princeton Area Community Foundation awards more than $1.3 million to 40 local nonprofits ⋆ Princeton, NJ local news %
Sunoco to sponsor No. 8 Ganassi Honda IndyCar in multi-year deal
Downtown Athletic Club of Hawaiʻi gives $300K to Boost the ’Bows NIL fund
North Florida Motorsports Park led by Indy 500 Champion and motorsports legend Bobby Rahal Nassau County, FL
WNBA’s Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers in NC, making debut for national team at USA camp at Duke
NASCAR, 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports announce settlement of US monopoly suit | MLex
Woods, Ogunribido Named CCIW Women’s Indoor Track & Field Student-Athletes of the Week
Hope College Tops MIAA Commissioner’s Cup Fall Update
-
Rec Sports3 weeks agoPrinceton Area Community Foundation awards more than $1.3 million to 40 local nonprofits ⋆ Princeton, NJ local news %
-
Sports2 weeks agoBadgers news: Wisconsin lands 2nd commitment from transfer portal
-
Rec Sports6 days agoFive Youth Sports Trends We’re Watching in 2026
-
Sports3 weeks agoIs women’s volleyball the SEC’s next big sport? How Kentucky, Texas A&M broke through
-
Rec Sports2 weeks agoNBA, Global Basketball Community Unite for World Basketball Day Celebration
-
Rec Sports3 weeks agoYouth Sports Business in 2025: The Year the Industry Grew Up
-
Rec Sports3 weeks ago
Inside the NWSL’s first combine: Can the league create a more robust pathway for American talent development?
-
Sports2 weeks agoKentucky VB adds an All-American honorable mention, loses Brooke Bultema to portal
-
Motorsports2 weeks agoDr. Patrick Staropoli Lands Full-Time O’Reilly Ride with Big Machine Racing
-
Motorsports3 weeks agoNASCAR, IndyCar, and F1 Share These Race Days in 2026