Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley just landed the ultimate virtual honor.
Imagine finally nabbing that elusive Madden cover, a feat rarer than a perfect game in October baseball. Barkley joined an elite club, becoming the first Eagle offensive player to hit the coveted “99 Club” rating.
The spotlight was his alone, brighter than a stadium Jumbotron. Yet, true to form, Barkley instantly swiveled that beam elsewhere. It felt like watching a quarterback immediately point to his linemen after a touchdown scramble.
This wasn’t about stats or individual glory for the Eagles’ superstar. Think back to those old-school NFL films, where teamwork wasn’t just preached, it was demanded. Saquon Barkley embodies that fading ethos.
Standing there with his digital immortality secured, his mind wasn’t on his accolades. Instead, he channeled the spirit of those legendary Eagles teams built in the trenches. His focus shifted decisively towards a teammate often overlooked in the glitzier discussions. Someone is grinding in the shadows.
Barkley Champions Lane Johnson
So, what was Barkley’s first move upon becoming Madden’s 99-rated cover star? He passionately advocated for right tackle Lane Johnson. When asked about his own 99 rating, Barkley immediately pivoted.
“I think that’s cool too,” he began. “I think it’s not better than Madden cover. It’s harder to beat the Madden cover, but 99 is cool…”
Then came the key shift.
“I will say this. I am the first Eagles 99 offensive player, and I know some Madden people in the room… Lane Johnson is about due. I think Lane Johnson is the best football player in the NFL, so Lane Johnson should get a 99 pretty soon in my humble opinion.”
His message to EA was crystal clear. But this wasn’t just politeness.
Barkley backed his words with powerful conviction.
“Lane Johnson is the best football player in the NFL.”
That statement carries serious weight in Philadelphia. Johnson, the Eagles’ bedrock right tackle, currently sits at a 98 overall in Madden NFL 25. Barkley sees that single missing point as an injustice.
His argument stems from witnessing Johnson’s dominance firsthand every single day in practice and on game days. He knows where his own record-breaking 2,500+ rushing yards truly started.
Why Johnson Deserves the Madden Love
Saquon Barkley isn’t just blowing smoke. The numbers scream Johnson’s elite status. Let’s break down his 2024 dominance:
- Pressure Allowed: Just 2.2% of pass plays (second among all offensive tackles, first among right tackles).
- Sacks Allowed: A big, fat ZERO.
- PFF Grades: One of only two tackles with 85+ grades in both pass and run blocking.
- Consistency: Anchor of an offensive line paving the way for a Super Bowl LIX victory.
Pro Football Focus analyst Zoltán Buday summed it up perfectly in his top 32 list for OTs: “Johnson, the highest-ranked right tackle in this list… did not surrender a sack… ranked second among all offensive tackles.”
His 98 rating in Madden feels like leaving a masterpiece unfinished. Key abilities like “Fool Me Once” and “Nasty Streak” barely capture his on-field intimidation factor. Johnson doesn’t just block; he erases defenders.
Barkley’s Brotherhood: More Than Just Ratings
This public endorsement from Saquon Barkley does more than boost Johnson’s Madden cred. It sets a powerful tone inside the NovaCare Complex. It’s especially poignant considering Barkley’s recent revelation on the “Greenlight” podcast.
New season, same target on their backs as defending champs. Barkley, the shiny new offensive crown jewel fresh off a historic year, could easily bask. Instead, he spotlights the grimy work of a 34-year-old lineman. That act resonates deeply in an NFL locker room, echoing the selfless “for the guy next to you” mentality Philly fans adore. Remember the Eagles’ last repeat aspirations?
Chemistry was key. Barkley fostering this mutual respect, especially highlighting a foundational piece like Johnson, is invaluable. It signals that no individual, not even the Madden cover star, is bigger than the unit.
Jalen Hurts must love seeing his lead back publicly champion the man protecting his blind side. This synergy between star runner and elite tackle is the engine of the Eagles’ offense. Johnson opens the gates; Barkley storms through them.
Brotherhood Over Brand
Barkley earned his 99 rating in Madden through sheer, jaw-dropping performance. Yet, his first instinct was to champion Johnson’s case with equal fervor. That speaks volumes about the culture the Eagles are nurturing.
In the relentless pursuit of another Lombardi, recognizing the unsung heroes is crucial. Johnson’s near-perfect play warrants that final Madden point. More importantly, Barkley’s willingness to fight for his teammate’s recognition might be the Eagles’ most powerful asset of all.
As the great fictional coach Herb Brooks once declared, “The name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the name on the back.” Barkley gets it.
