is Madden Guides blog post, we break down the History of the Madden Cover Athlete and the Madden Curse.
Madden Cover Athletes have been highly anticipated since the first game was released in 1988. EA Sports has used a variety of different athletes throughout the years to grace the cover of their Madden NFL Football video game, which has become a staple in modern American culture. The Madden Cover Athlete has become a badge of honor for NFL players, representing their success and hard work. In this Madden Guides blog post, we will explore the history of the Madden Cover Athlete, from the first edition to the latest one.
The first Madden game, John Madden Football, did not have a Madden Cover Athlete. Instead, it featured a picture of John Madden himself, the legendary coach and broadcaster who lent his name and voice to the game. Madden was the sole cover star for the first 11 editions of the game, from 1988 to 1998. He was also the only person who had creative control over the game's design and features, making sure it reflected his vision of realistic and authentic football.
In 1999, EA Sports decided to change things up and introduce a Madden Cover Athlete for the first time. The chosen player was Garrison Hearst, a running back for the San Francisco 49ers who had just finished a stellar season with over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. Hearst was a fan favorite and a respected veteran who seemed like a perfect fit for the game. However, his cover appearance was marred by a freak injury that occurred in the first round of the playoffs that year. Hearst broke his ankle in a gruesome way and missed the next two seasons. This sparked a superstition among fans and players that being on the cover of Madden would bring bad luck or a curse to the featured player.
The Madden curse, as it came to be known, seemed to strike again in the following years. The 2000 Madden Cover Athlete, Barry Sanders, one of the greatest running backs of all time, retired abruptly before the season started, after being on the cover of Madden NFL 2000.
In 2001, Eddie George, another star running back, fumbled a crucial pass in the playoffs that led to his team's elimination, after being on the cover of Madden NFL 2001.
In 2002, EA Sports changed things up by featuring two athletes on the cover – Daunte Culpepper and Marshall Faulk. The decision to have two covers was a risky one, as it could have gone either way. Most fans embraced the change and the game was well received.
In 2003, Marshal Faulk appeared on the cover again, this time alongside Michael Vick. Vick was just starting to make a name for himself in the NFL. His appearance on the cover helped solidify his status as a rising star.
Of course, not every Madden Cover Athlete suffered from the curse. Some players managed to avoid major injuries or setbacks and had successful seasons after being on the cover. For example, Ray Lewis (2005), Drew Brees (2011), Richard Sherman (2015), and Patrick Mahomes (2020) all won Super Bowls after being on the cover. Others had solid or even career-best performances after being on the cover, such as Michael Vick (2004), Calvin Johnson (2013), Odell Beckham Jr. (2016), and Lamar Jackson (2021).
The selection process for the Madden Cover Athlete has also evolved over time. In the early years, EA Sports would choose the player based on their popularity, performance, and marketability. Sometimes they would consult with Madden himself or other experts for their opinions. In 2009, EA Sports decided to let the fans vote for their favorite player among a pool of candidates. This created more excitement and engagement among the gaming community and gave them a sense of ownership over the game. The fan vote continued until 2016, when EA Sports reverted to their original method of choosing the Madden Cover Athlete internally.
In Madden NFL 22 features two Madden Cover Athletes for the first time since 2010: Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. Both are quarterbacks who have won multiple Super Bowls and MVP awards. They are widely regarded as two of the best players in the league at that time. They represent different generations and styles of play but share a common passion and excellence for football. Their dual cover is meant to symbolize the theme of “dynamic gameday” that EA Sports wants to emphasize in this year's game.
In Madden NFL 23, EA Sports decided to celebrate the legacy of John Madden. He is the legendary coach, broadcaster, and icon of American football. The game featured three unique covers that pay tribute to different chapters in Madden's life. Starting from his coaching career with the Raiders to his broadcasting days with the “BOOM”. To his influence on the gaming industry with his namesake franchise. The game also includes remastered audio clips of Madden's voice. It also has an interactive experience that pits two teams of “All Madden” athletes against each other in the 1970s Oakland Coliseum. Madden NFL 23 is more than just a game. It's a tribute to a man who changed football forever.
They have not announced yet Madden NFL 24 cover as of this blog post. However, there are few candidates of worthy of gracing the Madden NFL 24 cover. A few that come to mind are Josh Allen, Justin Jefferson, Joe Burrow, Josh Jacobs, or John Madden himself.
The Madden Cover Athlete is more than just a marketing tool or a cosmetic feature. It is a reflection of the culture and history of football and its fans. It is an honor and a challenge for the players chosen to represent the game. And it is a source of curiosity and debate for those who follow the game closely. The history of the Madden Cover Athlete is a history of football itself.
In recent years, the Madden Curse has become a hot topic of conversation. Some argue that appearing on the cover of Madden causes players to have bad seasons. Others dismiss it as a mere coincidence. Regardless, the superstition has not stopped athletes from wanting to appear on the cover.
In conclusion, the Madden Cover Athlete has become an important part of the Madden franchise. It has helped elevate the status of NFL players and has become a unique aspect of American culture. Fans eagerly await each year's announcement, wondering who will be the next player to grace the cover and what challenges they will face in the upcoming season.
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