Donovan McNabb says Saquon Barkley touchdown the “Madden NFL 26” cowl is “completely well-deserved” … however breathe simple, Eagles followers — the previous face of the sport tells TMZ Sports activities he does not consider within the notorious “curse” surrounding the distinction.

We caught up with McNabb — who graced the quilt of the long-lasting sequence again in 2005 for “Madden NFL 06” — and talked to him all in regards to the operating again becoming a member of him as the one different Philly nice to obtain the popularity.

McNabb believes the parents at EA Sports activities would have made the fitting name in both Barkley or quarterback Jalen Hurts … particularly after what they have been in a position to accomplish in successful a Tremendous Bowl this previous season.

As for being the “Madden” man, McNabb opened up on what it was like for him … saying it places gamers on one other stage of recognition — which additionally comes with extra expectations.

However Barkley should not be hesitant about getting “cursed” — McNabb, who underwent season-ending surgical procedure to restore a sports activities hernia throughout his cowl yr, instructed us he does not consider in that discuss … and he thinks there’s proof it is a bunch of nonsense.

“For Saquon, I believe that is one [thing] he does not need to concentrate on,” McNabb mentioned. “I consider with that, and simply proceed to grind and prepare for a brand new season and hopefully the identical end result.”