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

We caught up with McNabb — who graced the duvet of the long-lasting collection again in 2005 for “Madden NFL 06” — and talked to him all concerning 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 precise 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.

“I believe for the Philadelphia Eagles group, it is all the time factor when you will have a illustration of your group and the success that you have had, particularly main into the subsequent season,” McNabb stated … including he is an enormous fan of what Barkley has achieved thus far in his profession.

Not solely is Barkley’s dominance large for the Eagles, McNabb identified it will have an effect on all operating backs … as it is a reminder of simply how necessary success on the place is to the passing sport.

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 12 months, informed us he would 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 would not must deal with,” McNabb stated. “I consider with that, and simply proceed to grind and prepare for a brand new season and hopefully the identical end result.”