When you’re on the wrong end of a legendary sports play, it can be hard to shake that reputation. Leon Lett is remembered for his Super Bowl fumble, Earnest Byner is known for causing “The Drive,” and Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones will be immortalized for being the victim of Saquon Barkley’s backward hurdle.
Jones isn’t a household name on the same level as Lett or Byner just yet, but it could just be a matter of time after that play was featured on the “Madden 26” cover. The video game cover art features Barkley hurdling a defender in a clear homage to that play. It’s not an actual photo of the play, so Jones isn’t featured on the cover, but it’s a constant reminder of one of his most embarrassing moments on an NFL field.
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That’s not how Jones views it, though. Jones was asked about the “Madden 26” cover during minicamp Tuesday and gave a refreshing answer.
Jones opted to praise Barkley for making an awesome play. Jones added he would happily be featured on the cover if it meant he got some money from EA Sports.
Video contains some NSFW language.
“I seen it and I was like ‘damn, they didn’t put my number on there?'” Jones continued, “The play was fire, to me. Everybody DM’d me like I was going to be mad or something. I don’t give a damn. He made a good play. It is what it is.”
That’s a good perspective from Jones, who is aiming to improve after a solid rookie season in 2024. Jones, a third round pick by the Jaguars in the 2024 NFL Draft, racked up 40 combined tackles, two sacks and an interception as a rookie.
Bigger things are expected from Jones this season. After starting four games as a rookie, Jones could see a much bigger workload in Year 2. While he might never fully shake being the player Barkley hurdled, he has plenty of opportunities to post excellent highlights of his own if he can keep building on an encouraging rookie season.
