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 Offen

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