Rams Kam Curl Criticizes Madden 26 Trailer Featuring Saquon Barkley

The upcoming Madden NFL 26 video game trailer featuring Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley juking Los Angeles Rams safety Kam Curl has sparked controversy, with Curl publicly expressing his displeasure and announcing he will not play the game this year. The trailer depicts Barkley making a highly realistic and skillful move against Curl, which Curl felt was disrespectful, especially as this is the first time he was prominently featured in a Madden trailer. Curl, a seasoned NFL safety with a notable career including time with the Washington Commanders and Rams, took to social media to voice his frustration, suggesting he felt 'done dirty' by the game's portrayal. Despite Curl's criticism, Barkley, the game's cover athlete, continues to be celebrated for his on-field dominance, including a standout playoff performance against the Rams. The Madden franchise continues to face criticism from players and fans alike over perceived repetitiveness and lack of realism, with Curl's reaction adding a new chapter to the ongoing discourse. This incident highlights the complex relationship between NFL players and their digital representations in popular video games.