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Greater than 20 years into the long-lasting franchise’s historical past, there’s nearly no escaping the Madden Curse. Since Garrison Hearst broke his ankle in 1998 shortly after showing on the duvet of Madden NFL 99, many of the gamers who starred on the sport’s cowl have suffered an damage the next season. Of the 22 gamers who’ve been chosen to grace the duvet of Madden video games, 16 have had troubling or abruptly shortened seasons following their cowl debut — together with a number of who suffered season-ending accidents shortly after their recreation hit cabinets.
EA Sports activities continues to dismiss any critical discuss of a curse hovering over its wildly profitable franchise and attributed the rash of accidents and different detrimental, post-cover points to an athlete’s pure regression after a season of peak efficiency. They’re most likely proper. Madden NFL 21 gave us one other probability to check the curse. Lamar Jackson seemingly handed the check, however the damage bug has plagued the Ravens backfield a season later within the type of season-ending accidents to all their working backs.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes survived his first cowl look in Madden NFL 20, however issues haven’t appeared too vibrant within the 2021/22 season. Madden NFL 22 marks the primary time since Madden NFL 10 that two gamers shared the duvet. Nonetheless, Madden NFL 22 is the primary recreation to function two cowl gamers who’ve been beforehand featured on Madden covers. Tom Brady appeared on the duvet of Madden NFL 18, The Goat Version. Brady additionally survived his Madden Curse. As an alternative, he was bitten with the Season MVP curse, an award that value him Tremendous Bowl wins towards the Giants in the course of the 07/08 season and the Eagles in the course of the 2017/18 season.
Madden NFL 22
Cowl athletes: Tom Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Patrick Mahomes II (Kansas Metropolis Chiefs)
The highway to the duvet
Brady’s record-setting profession speaks for itself. In the meantime, Patrick Mahomes is routinely inserted into the G.O.A.T dialog, also known as the “mini-goat.” There is no such thing as a celebrity combo extra deserving of a shared Madden cowl than Brady/Mahomes. Brady proved he wasn’t only a system quarterback as he led the Tamp Bay Buccaneers to a Tremendous Bowl win over Mahomes’ Chiefs. In the meantime, Mahomes proved that no person may sustain with the 2020/21 Chief’s offensive firepower. Each made their manner onto the duvet, however each are having very totally different seasons in 2022.
An evolving curse?
Their assembly in Tremendous Bowl 55 culminated in Brady throwing three landing passes whereas Mahomes ran for his life within the backfield. It was right here that, maybe, the Madden NFL 20 curse lastly bit Patrick Mahomes. Accidents to the Chief’s offensive line allowed Tampa Bay’s go rush to have a subject day towards Mahomes. Within the 2021/22 season, Kansas Metropolis has (to this point) appeared like a shell of their former selves. Mahomes (as of week 10) has the third-most interceptions within the league behind Joe Burrow and Sam Darnold. Whereas bodily accidents haven’t plagued the Chief’s celebrity, his repute as a magic-maker has taken a success.
In the meantime, in Tampa Bay, Brady’s favourite weapon has been coping with a rib damage since week 3. Rob Gronkowski has had a profession stuffed with accidents, so his inconsistent playtime is one thing Brady is used to.
Madden NFL 21
Cowl athlete: Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
The highway to the duvet
Lamar Jackson began his NFL profession in 2018, chosen because the thirty second choose of the primary spherical of the 2018 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Serving as reduction for beginning quarterback Joe Flacco, Jackson finally moved to the beginning place as soon as Flacco was injured. In his debut recreation as an NFL beginning quarterback, Jackson rushed 117 yards, setting a franchise file for the Ravens.
All through the season into the following, Jackson set much more data, together with being the youngest beginning quarterback in a playoff recreation. Following the tip of the season, the Ravens redesigned their offensive technique, centering it round Jackson’s ability set. Flacco, who Jackson changed, was traded to the Denver Broncos for the 2019 season.
Jackson’s 2019 season was much more spectacular, incomes an ideal passer ranking of 158.3 in his opening recreation. All through the season, Jackson set a variety of data, together with being the primary participant within the NFL to go greater than 250 yards and rush 120 yards in a single recreation. On the finish of the season, Jackson earned the title of MVP, being the one participant apart from Tom Brady to earn the title from a unanimous vote.
The curse doesn’t strike
Jackson has continued to frustrate defenses within the NFL and in Madden. The curse by no means bit Jackson by the use of private damage, however the 2021/22 Baltimore Ravens backfield was stricken with a number of season-ending accidents. They are saying, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Tom Brady put the Madden curse as a replacement by making it to the Tremendous Bowl that 12 months. Maybe the curse has discovered new and oblique methods to impose its will. Jackson’s look and Mahome’s most up-to-date look point out a “cowl skip” development brewing, just like how sure traits can skip a era.
Madden NFL 20
Cowl athlete: Patrick Mahomes II (Kansas Metropolis Chiefs)
The highway to the duvet
Chosen because the tenth general choose within the 2017 NFL Draft by the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes backed up Alex Smith in his rookie season. Within the one recreation he appeared, he threw for practically 300 yards. The Chiefs traded Smith to the Redskins following the 2017 season, opening the door for Mahomes to be the starter in Kansas Metropolis.
Nobody may’ve predicted the monster season Mahomes would have in 2018. Within the common season, Mahomes lit up defenses to the tune of 5,097 yards and 50 TDs to only 12 interceptions. Due to Mahomes’ eager accuracy and cannon of an arm, the Chiefs had probably the most dynamic offenses within the NFL. He led the Chiefs to the AFC Championship recreation, the place he performed properly however in the end took the loss to the Tom Brady led Patriots.
Mahomes gracing the duvet shouldn’t be a shock to anybody. For his 2018 season, he gained NFL MVP, NFL Offensive Participant of the Yr, and quite a few different accolades. He’s one of many rising stars within the NFL and already the most effective quarterbacks within the league. We’ll see if he can preserve the stat sheet stuffed and keep away from the curse come soccer season.
The curse strikes, then it doesn’t
It appeared like Mahomes could have been struck with the Madden Curse remarkably early. The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs introduced on October 17 that Mahomes was out with a knee damage.
Patrick Mahomes is out with a knee damage. pic.twitter.com/DKCt1dg9nX
— Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 18, 2019
Nonetheless, it didn’t find yourself being practically as critical as Chiefs followers feared, and Mahomes would find yourself lacking lower than a month earlier than returning to motion. Throughout his absence, the Chiefs solely misplaced one recreation, and in the end completed the season at 12-4. Throughout 2019, Mahomes threw 26 landing passes and solely 5 interceptions. His shortened season means he possible gained’t be awarded the NFL MVP award, however he was nonetheless dominant on the sphere for a lot of that point.
Mahomes would finally lead the Chiefs by means of the playoffs and into the Tremendous Bowl towards the San Francisco 49ers. He began the sport in poor kind, lacking a number of necessary passes and throwing two interceptions by the point the sport ended. Nonetheless, within the fourth quarter, he turned it into excessive gear, hitting a number of targets and staying alive within the pocket to maintain drives going. The Chiefs in the end defeated the 49ers 31-20 regardless of the early deficit, and Mahomes was named the sport’s MVP. It’s debatable that he wasn’t truly the best-performing participant within the recreation, particularly when accounting for the primary half, however his capacity to come back from behind was on full show.
Madden NFL 19
Cowl athlete: Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers)
The highway to the duvet
Antonio Brown initially started his profession with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010 at a time when the crew was loaded with different star large receivers. Initially centered totally on returning punts, he finally discovered a spot as the most effective receivers on the crew, able to enjoying a slot function like Hines Ward or a deep-threat function like Mike Wallace.
This versatility persistently made Brown probably the most well-liked targets for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and he ended the 2017 common season with extra receiving yards than anybody else within the NFL. He additionally occurred to have 9 touchdowns, along with his capacity to catch practically not possible passes unmatched within the league. Although he acts as a workhorse receiver for the Steelers, he continues to be a harmful return menace.
Except for his on-field dominance, Brown can be recognized for his dance strikes. He has been penalized for extreme celebration after a number of of his touchdowns, although the comparatively minor disciplinary motion doesn’t appear to have any lasting impact on his willingness to shake his moneymaker within the endzone.
The curse doesn’t strike?
From a statistical standpoint, the Madden Curse didn’t strike Brown. He hauled in 104 passes for 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns. The spectacular season helped Brown proceed his streak of 1,000 yard receiving seasons, which now stands at six.
Regardless that Brown had a great season, Brown has had a weird offseason. He didn’t play within the ultimate recreation of the 2018 common season after reportedly being concerned in a tense argument with Roethlisberger. Brown sat out from apply throughout week 17 and his tenure with the Steelers later got here to an finish. Brown requested to be traded in the course of the offseason, finally getting despatched to the Oakland Raiders for draft picks that amounted to minimal compensation for the Steelers.
His tenure with the Raiders is off to an inauspicious begin to say the least. After a Complete Physique Cryotherapy remedy, Brown developed terrible frostbite on his toes, which is extraordinarily baffling. It’s additionally unfathomably ironic contemplating Madden runs on EA’s Frostbite engine.
Even worse: the NFL banned Brown’s most well-liked helmet this offseason. Apparently, he actually, actually likes his helmet, as a result of he has threatened to retire if the NFL doesn’t let him put on it.
For the reason that Madden Curse is often outlined by efficiency and damage, Brown’s 2018 season doesn’t match the standards. However he was on the duvet simply final 12 months and the following offseason could sideline him for good. Not due to a critical damage — the frostbite appears worse than it’s — however due to a helmet. If AB likes his helmet a lot, why didn’t he put on it on the duvet of Madden 19?
Madden NFL 2018
Cowl athlete: Tom Brady (New England Patriots)
The highway to the duvet
Tom Brady’s now-legendary profession began with humble beginnings. The previous College of Michigan quarterback wasn’t picked by the Patriots till the sixth spherical of the NFL draft. In the beginning of his rookie season, Brady was the fourth quarterback on the Patriots’ depth chart, however took over because the starter halfway by means of the next season and led the Patriots to their first Tremendous Bowl win.
The victory was the start of a interval of dominance that included three Tremendous Bowl wins in 4 years. With Brady below middle, the Patriots have been perennial Tremendous Bowl contenders. In 2014, Brady collected his fourth Tremendous Bowl ring, and final season, he turned solely the second participant ever — and the primary quarterback — to win 5 Tremendous Bowls. Brady has amassed 13 Professional Bowl picks, three league MVP awards, and three Tremendous Bowl MVPs.
His historic profession has not been with out some controversy, nonetheless. The Patriots have been concerned in quite a few investigations all through his profession, together with the 2015 “deflategate” scandal, when Brady was accused of deliberately deflating footballs in the course of the 2015 AFC Championship recreation. Whereas some could view Brady’s legacy as tainted, on a pure numbers and accolades standpoint, Brady is probably the most adorned participant to seem on the duvet of Madden and is inarguably one of many best soccer gamers of all time.
The curse doesn’t strike
Earlier than the season began, we stated that if any participant may defy the Madden curse, it will be Tom Brady. And guess what? Tom Brady did far more than avoiding damage or sputtering statistically, he laughed on the curse en path to certainly one of his finest seasons within the league as an 18-year veteran (he’s 40!). Brady rattled off greater than 4,500 yards and 32 passing touchdowns whereas main the Pats to an AFC finest 13-3 file. His distinctive play earned him his third regular-season MVP award.
The all-time nice continued his stellar marketing campaign by means of the playoffs, together with an epic comeback efficiency towards the Jacksonville Jaguars within the AFC Championship. In Tremendous Bowl LII, Brady threw for 505 yards and three touchdowns. Regardless of Brady’s nice evening, the Philadelphia Eagles got here out on high in a thriller. Whereas Brady’s season led to disappointment, there’s no denying he prevented the Madden curse in an enormous manner.
Madden NFL 2017
Cowl athlete: Rob Gronkowski (New England Patriots)
The highway to the duvet
Accidents had been a recurring downside for prolific New England Patriots tight finish Rob Gronkowski’s profession lengthy earlier than he graced the duvet of Madden NFL 17, however he nonetheless managed to turn into one of many league’s best — and dominant — gamers on the place for a number of years main as much as the 2016-2017 season. A runner-up within the earlier 12 months’s Madden NFL cowl choice course of, Gronkowski completed the 2015-2016 season with 10 touchdowns and 1,018 yards on the season and helped lead the Patriots to the playoffs for yet one more 12 months. He capped off one other glorious season by being chosen to the Professional Bowl and the AP All-Professional crew for the fourth time in his profession.
The curse strikes
Gronkowski missed the primary two video games of the 2016 season with a lingering hamstring damage. He appeared sparingly in weeks three and 4 however didn’t begin till week 5 towards the Cleveland Browns the place he racked up 109 receiving yards. He was productive in begins within the Patriots’ subsequent 5 video games, however in week 11 towards Seattle, Gronk took suffered a pulmonary contusion after being on the receiving finish of an enormous hit from Seahawks DB Earl Thomas.
Gronk was stored out of the Patriots’ week 11 contest towards San Francisco. He got here again into the beginning lineup the next week towards the New York Jets, however he left the sport early, earlier than he had even caught a single go, with a again damage. Gronk underwent surgical procedure to restore a herniated disk, and was positioned on injured reserve on December 3, 2016, the place he would stay for the remainder of the season. His season ended with 540 reception yards and three touchdowns on 25 catches. The celebrity TE was compelled to look at his Patriots win the Tremendous Bowl from the sidelines.
Madden NFL 2016
Cowl athlete: Odell Beckham, Jr. (New York Giants)
The highway to the duvet
The twelfth general choose within the 2014 NFL draft, New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. made his presence recognized late within the 2014 season with a memorable, one-handed landing reception throughout a Sunday evening recreation towards the Dallas Cowboys that was hailed as one of many best catches in NFL historical past.
Beckham went on to turn into probably the most achieved rookie receivers within the league’s historical past, setting quite a few data for each first-year gamers and veterans with a season that included 91 receptions for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns — all in simply 12 video games. He finally beat out the New England Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski to adorn the duvet of the following version of Madden NFL, changing into the youngest participant within the collection’ historical past to be featured on the duvet.
The curse doesn’t strike
The season after making the duvet, Beckham’s season was marred by some on-field anger points that resulted within the Giants’ receiver being suspended a recreation, however the incident had no discernible impact on his efficiency the remainder of the season. Ending the season with 1,450 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, Beckham truly recorded increased numbers than the 12 months earlier than and was named to his second consecutive Professional Bowl.
Madden NFL 2015
Cowl athlete: Richard Sherman (Seattle Seahawks)
The highway to the duvet
One of many league’s most dominant defensive backs within the league, Richard Sherman’s knack for shutting down offenses — and placing on a present after doing so — made him a preferred (and polarizing) choose for the Madden NFL 2015 cowl athlete. Able to turning even the very best large receivers into mediocre performers, Sherman put his season on the road towards the Madden Curse, going as far as to inform ESPN, “I don’t imagine in curses. I imagine in God.”
The curse doesn’t strike
Bucking the development of cursed cowl athletes, Sherman had one other all-star efficiency in the course of the 2014 season, main Seahawks’ protection and serving to Seattle return to the Tremendous Bowl for the second consecutive season. Though the crew misplaced towards the New England Patriots within the championship recreation, it wasn’t because of any lack of effort — or efficiency — by Sherman, who recorded three tackles for the league-leading Seattle protection.
After the season, nonetheless, the Seahawks introduced Sherman would possibly want Tommy John surgical procedure in the course of the offseason to restore a torn ligament in his left elbow. Nonetheless, Sherman later introduced he would decide to heal naturally, reasonably than get surgical procedure. Ultimately, he healed on his personal in time to return to the beginning lineup for the primary recreation of the 2015 season.
Madden NFL 25
Cowl athlete: Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings)
The highway to the duvet
Vikings working again Adrian Peterson earned Madden NFL cowl honors when he returned to soccer after eight months of rehabilitation for an ACL and MCL tear in the course of the 2011 season. Already a workhorse for the crew earlier than his damage, his prospects for a profitable return appeared dim after he was carted off the sphere throughout a December 2011 victory over the Washington Redskins.
Peterson returned to the crew in 2012 and proved all of the doubters incorrect by dashing for two,097 yards all through the season — the second-highest tally for any working again within the historical past of the league. His efficiency helped the crew enhance from a 3-13 file to a 10-6 end, and earned him NFL’s Most Priceless Participant award.
Editor’s be aware: Barry Sanders additionally appeared on the duvet of Madden NFL 25, however solely the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 releases. He was retired on the time, although, and he’d already served his Madden Curse sentence after showing on the Madden NFL 2000 cowl.
The curse strikes
Whereas Peterson’s begin to the 2013 season appeared good with a 78-yard dashing landing on the primary carry of the sport, he struggled for the primary half of the season with a nagging foot damage. He ended up enjoying solely 14 video games, and the crew’s file dropped again all the way down to 5-10-1 after he was declared achieved for the season in December because of the identical, aggravated foot damage.
Madden NFL 2013
Cowl athlete: Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions)
The highway to the duvet
Calvin “Megatron” Johnson already held practically each file a large receiver may have within the NFL earlier than being named the duvet athlete for Madden NFL 2013, with the previous Georgia Institute of Know-how standout residing as much as each little bit of the hype that surrounded his first-round choice within the 2007 NFL draft. Johnson even managed to place up gaudy numbers throughout Detroit’s infamous 0-16 season in 2008, throughout which he led the league in receiving touchdowns and completed among the many high 5 in receiving yards.
The curse doesn’t strike
Most likely the very best case towards the Madden Curse, Johnson’s 2012 season was certainly one of his finest general and featured numerous data chucking up the sponge as he went on to file 1,964 yards receiving all through the season — a brand new NFL file that beats the earlier file held by Jerry Rice.
Johnson additionally set or tied NFL data for 100-yard video games and receptions throughout 2012, proving that not even an look on the duvet of Madden NFL 2013 can cease him from being the most effective large receivers ever to play the sport.
Madden NFL 2012
Cowl athlete: Peyton Hillis (Cleveland Browns)
The highway to the duvet
A former fullback turned working again, Peyton Hillis got here off the bench for the Cleveland Browns in 2010 to smash his solution to 1,177 yards dashing and 477 yards receiving in a shocking season that put all eyes on the in any other case unheralded bruiser.
By the tip of the season, Hillis — who had solely rushed for 397 yards over two seasons within the NFL earlier than this breakout 12 months — was in elite territory with the likes of Marshall Faulk and different dual-threat rushers who terrorized opponents with each their catching and working skills. Within the contest to find out the Madden NFL 2012 cowl athlete, Hillis was chosen over Ray Rice, Matt Ryan, Michael Vick, and Tremendous Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers.
The curse strikes
Hillis’ troubles started properly earlier than the 2011 season, with heated contract disputes main to hassle within the Cleveland clubhouse, then bodily troubles that included a bout with strep throat and an injured hamstring that had him lacking video games all season and usually failing to get in sync with the crew.
He ended up enjoying solely 10 video games that season, accumulating simply 587 yards dashing in a big letdown from his highlight-filled 2010 efficiency. The Browns declined to resign him following the season and he left the crew as a free agent.
Madden NFL 2011
Cowl athlete: Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)
The highway to the duvet
Go-happy New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was named the Madden NFL cowl athlete after his record-breaking 2009 season that had him lead the Saints to Tremendous Bowl XLIV and defeat the Indianapolis Colts in a wild shootout. Brees set a brand new NFL file for completion share in the course of the season, and gave the Saints their first championship in franchise historical past. He was named the Tremendous Bowl MVP and acquired quite a few different accolades in the course of the season, together with the glory of being named Sports activities Illustrated‘s Sportsman of the Yr.
The curse strikes
Whereas the 2010 season wasn’t a horrible disappointment general, Brees had certainly one of his worst seasons thus far. The often correct passer threw twice as many interceptions as he had in earlier years, and the crew’s usually lackluster efficiency led to a playoff defeat within the first week of the postseason. The loss was particularly disappointing provided that New Orleans misplaced to Seattle, the primary crew in NFL historical past to make it into the playoffs with a shedding file.
Madden NFL 2010
Cowl athletes: Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals) & Troy Polamalu (Pittsburgh Steelers)
The highway to the duvet
The quilt of Madden NFL 2010 marked the primary 12 months that two athletes have been featured on the identical cowl of the sport, and very like in earlier editions, the athletes chosen gave the impression to be comparatively secure selections. Arizona large receiver Larry Fitzgerald had earned reward as the most effective pass-catchers within the NFL properly forward of his Madden NFL cowl debut, with a Tremendous Bowl look and a number of single-season and franchise data already in hand by the point EA Sports activities approached him.
Equally, Troy Polamalu was already a a number of Professional Bowl choice as a security for the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier than his debut on the Madden NFL cowl and had helped the Steelers win a number of Tremendous Bowls, together with the newest one towards Fitzgerald and the Cardinals the earlier 12 months.
The curse strikes
Fitzgerald is likely one of the first clear-cut examples of the Madden Curse usually lacking its mark, because the large receiver set a number of private data all through the 2009 season. He had a slight letdown in 2010 (because of the exit of longtime quarterback Kurt Warner) however nonetheless managed to place up spectacular numbers each seasons. If there’s any impact of the curse to be seen, it’s that Fitzgerald was unable to play within the 2010 Professional Bowl because of a rib damage.
Alternatively, Polamalu appeared to take the total brunt of the Madden Curse. The defensive all-star sprained his medial collateral ligament (MCL) within the first half of Week 1 of the 2009 season and was compelled to overlook the following 4 video games. He then performed in three extra video games later that season, solely to injure his posterior cruciate ligament in November. The Steelers would miss the playoffs that 12 months and end 9-7.
Madden NFL 2009
Cowl athlete: Brett Favre (Inexperienced Bay Packers)
The highway to the duvet
EA Sports activities hoped to honor the profession of one of many league’s best quarterbacks by placing Inexperienced Bay Packers veteran Brett Favre on the duvet of Madden NFL 2009 after the celebrated passer introduced his retirement from the league. The distinction capped off one of many quarterback’s most achieved seasons within the league as he broke a number of profession milestones and solidified his legacy within the NFL file books with an exceptional 2007 season. EA Sports activities introduced its plans for the duvet of the upcoming Madden NFL after a tear-filled retirement speech from Favre in March 2008.
The curse strikes
No sooner had the Madden NFL cowl debuted with Favre in his Inexperienced Bay jersey than the quarterback abruptly determined that he wasn’t achieved with the league in spite of everything. Favre finally signed with the New York Jets and had a comparatively respectable season — marred by off-field points greater than something on the sphere — solely to maintain an damage to his proper shoulder late within the season that will plague him for the remaining three seasons main as much as his retirement (once more) in 2011.
Madden NFL 2008
Cowl athletes: Vince Younger (Tennessee Titans) & Luis Castillo (San Diego Chargers)
The highway to the duvet
After successful the BCS Nationwide Championship in beautiful vogue for the College of Texas, Vince Younger carried over his faculty success to the NFL with a incredible rookie season that had him break nearly each file a first-year quarterback may probably break. The fleet-footed signal-caller led the Titans to a number of come-from-behind victories and was finally named Offensive Rookie of the Yr and later chosen for the Professional Bowl that season.
For the Spanish-language launch of Madden NFL 2008, Chargers defensive finish Luis Castillo was chosen as the sport’s cowl athlete after two seasons making a reputation for himself as one of many NFL’s quickest rising stars on the defensive facet of the ball.
The curse strikes
Earlier than both Younger or Castillo being named as the duvet athlete for Madden NFL, San Diego working again LaDainian Tomlinson was approached to be on the sport’s cowl. After a contingent of vocal Chargers followers initiated a marketing campaign to maintain him off the duvet because of their concern of the Madden Curse, Tomlinson declined the supply from EA Sports activities, citing failed contract negotiations for his likeness. The developer than approached Younger and Castillo.
After scoffing on the Madden Curse when he made the announcement on late-night tv, Younger had a gradual begin to the 2007 season, solely to injure his quadricep in Week 6. He would miss the next week’s recreation — the primary time he had ever missed a recreation because of damage. He would return later within the season solely to reinjure himself within the ultimate recreation of the season, opening the door for backup Kerry Collins to take the reins.
Younger’s transition to a backup function was cemented the next season when he injured his knee within the first recreation of the 2008 season and Collins was named the beginning quarterback for the rest of the season.
Proving that even the alternate variations of the sport are topic to the Madden Curse, Castillo missed a good portion of the 2007 season a number of months after being named the Madden NFL cowl athlete. Sidelined by a knee damage, he solely performed in 10 video games that season.
Madden NFL 2007
Cowl athlete: Shaun Alexander (Seattle Seahawks)
The highway to the duvet
Already an achieved rusher and one of many main cogs within the Seattle Seahawks offense, Shaun Alexander took his recreation to the following degree in 2005 when he turned the primary working again in NFL historical past to file 15 touchdowns in 5 consecutive seasons and broke the franchise file for dashing. He additionally turned the primary participant in NFL historical past to attain 19 TDs dashing or receiving in solely 10 video games.
As if that wasn’t sufficient, he was named the NFL’s Most Priceless Participant that season, and led the Seahawks to an look in Tremendous Bowl XL. Oh, and he additionally had the glory of changing into the primary Seahawks participant to seem on the duvet of Sports activities Illustrated, too.
The curse strikes
Seemingly indicating that the impact of the Madden Curse may be in direct proportion to your accomplishments, Alexander’s 2006 season was derailed by a damaged foot in Week 3 — just some months after being named the Madden NFL cowl athlete. The season would turn into his first with out 1,000 yards dashing since he turned a starter for the Seahawks.
Alexander’s abbreviated 2006 season was adopted by an injury-plagued 2007 season that had him undergo a fractured wrist, sprained knee, and sprained ankle. The end result was a fair worse season, and Alexander was minimize from the crew’s roster in 2008. Within the wake of all of the accidents following his cowl look, Alexander even addressed the Madden Curse, saying in a 2007 interview: “Do you need to be damage and on the duvet, or simply damage?”
Madden NFL 2006
Cowl athlete: Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia Eagles)
The highway to the duvet
The previous Syracuse quarterback led the Philadelphia Eagles to a number of convention championships throughout his first 5 years within the NFL, and located success regardless of a less-than-stellar supporting forged of large receivers for a number of of these seasons. (The 2003 Eagles have the doubtful distinction of being the one NFL crew within the fashionable period to go two months with out a large receiver catching a landing go.) A twin menace working and passing, McNabb had led the Philadelphia Eagles to the crew’s second Tremendous Bowl in franchise historical past in 2004, incomes him the nod for the upcoming Madden NFL cowl honor.
The curse strikes
McNabb was on monitor for an enormous 12 months in 2005 when his season was derailed by a groin damage that despatched him to the injured reserve checklist for the rest of the season. He by no means fairly recovered the next season, and in Week 11, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his proper knee and was as soon as once more sidelined for the rest of the season. The rest of his time within the NFL could be marked by inconsistent performances and turmoil on and off the sphere, culminating ultimately of his soccer profession in 2011.
Madden NFL 2005
Cowl athlete: Ray Lewis (Baltimore Ravens)
The highway to the duvet
Some of the feared defensive gamers within the league, Ray Lewis anchored a crew that repeatedly gained with its protection — and extra particularly, with him main the protection. The crew had already gained a Tremendous Bowl in 2000, and Lewis was one of many main causes for the Ravens’ success, with seven seasons of greater than 100 solo tackles to go together with a number of sacks, interceptions, and record-breaking defensive performances.
The curse strikes
Whereas Lewis’ season following his debut because the Madden NFL 2005 cowl athlete wasn’t precisely horrible, the often dependable linebacker didn’t file a single interception within the 2004 season — the primary time that had ever occurred in his lengthy profession. The Ravens additionally didn’t make the playoffs for the primary time in a number of years, and in Week 6 of the next season, Lewis tore his proper hamstring, forcing him to finish his season abruptly.
Madden NFL 2004
Cowl athlete: Michael Vick (Atlanta Falcons)
The highway to the duvet
Some of the electrical gamers within the league, Michael Vick redefined the quarterback place throughout his early seasons, setting data for dashing yards by a quarterback whereas additionally setting a excessive commonplace for completion share and passing yards. Whereas different quarterbacks had success working the soccer earlier than Vick joined the league, the previous Virginia Tech star raised the bar for cellular quarterbacks with nearly 3,000 yards passing and 777 yards dashing in the course of the 2002 season. He additionally led the Atlanta Falcons to an surprising playoff victory that 12 months.
The curse strikes
Simply a short while after it was introduced that Vick could be the duvet athlete for Madden NFL 2004, Vick fractured his proper fibula throughout a preseason recreation. The damage compelled him to overlook the primary 11 video games of the season.
Madden NFL 2003
Cowl athlete: Marshall Faulk (St. Louis Rams)
The highway to the duvet
Already a Tremendous Bowl champion and a multiple-time winner of the NFL Offensive Participant of the Yr award, Marshall Faulk was the centerpiece of an offense dubbed “The Best Present on Turf” when he was named the duvet athlete for Madden NFL 2003. He had led the Rams to a second Tremendous Bowl only a season earlier and now held a cornucopia of dashing, receiving, and mixed yardage data, and appeared poised to make one other championship run in 2002.
The curse strikes
The season that unfolded after Faulk appeared on the Madden NFL cowl would show to be the start of the decline for one of many NFL’s most prolific working backs. The 2002 season would find yourself being the primary he was unable to hurry for greater than 1,000 yards, and his yardage totals continued to say no in subsequent seasons. He finally missed all the 2006 season because of surgical procedure on his knee, and by no means returned to the league.
Madden NFL 2002
Cowl athlete: Daunte Culpepper (Minnesota Vikings)
The highway to the duvet
Former College of Central Florida star Daunte Culpepper discovered fast success within the NFL after being named the beginning quarterback for the Vikings forward of the 2000 season. He instantly led the crew to an 11-5 file and the convention championship recreation on the power of passing for nearly 4,000 yards and dashing for practically 500 yards. He was chosen to the Professional Bowl, and commenced the 2001 season as probably the most celebrated younger quarterbacks within the league, resulting in his choice because the Madden NFL 2002 cowl athlete halfway by means of the season.
The curse strikes
Just some months after being named the Madden NFL cowl athlete, Culpepper suffered a knee damage throughout a recreation towards the Pittsburgh Steelers and needed to miss the remainder of the 2001 season. His efficiency deteriorated the next season when he threw 23 interceptions to solely 18 touchdowns.
This is able to be one of many first years that the notion of the “Madden Curse” was broadly referenced when discussing a participant’s unexpectedly poor efficiency after being featured on the sport’s cowl.
Madden NFL 2001
Cowl athlete: Eddie George (Tennessee Titans)
The highway to the duvet
The Heisman Trophy winner from Ohio State College earned a repute as probably the most dependable workhorses within the NFL throughout his nine-season profession, and he entered the 2000 season saddled with excessive expectations after his crew was defeated by the slimmest of margins within the earlier 12 months’s Tremendous Bowl. George had rushed for over 1,200 yards in every of his 4 seasons to date, and averaged over 3.7 yards per carry to steer the crew.
The curse strikes
The ever-reliable George appeared like a secure wager to interrupt the curse when he was named the Madden NFL 2001 cowl athlete, and the jinx appeared destined to finish when the Titans entered the playoffs as probably the most dominant groups within the NFL with George within the midst of a record-breaking season.
However, a uncommon bobbled go by George late within the fourth quarter of a playoff recreation towards the Baltimore Ravens led to an interception and a landing that ended the Titans’ in any other case stellar season. Whereas George would stay within the NFL for 4 extra seasons, he by no means ran for greater than 1,200 yards in a season once more and averaged lower than 3.4 yards per carry for the rest of his profession.
Madden NFL 2000
Cowl athletes: Barry Sanders (Detroit Lions) & Dorsey Levens (Inexperienced Bay Packers)
The highway to the duvet
Broadly considered one of many best working backs of all time, Barry Sanders was voted to the Professional Bowl each season he was within the league, and in 1997 he turned certainly one of solely three gamers to hurry for over 2,000 yards in a single season. He additionally turned the primary participant to hurry for over 1,500 yards in 4 consecutive seasons and completed the 1998 season with the third-highest profession dashing yards in NFL historical past.
In distinction, Inexperienced Bay working again Dorsey Levens was a relative newcomer to the NFL highlight earlier than showing on the Madden NFL cowl. With solely two seasons dashing for over 1,000 yards, Levens was a shocking selection for the sport’s cowl, however his look within the 1997 Professional Bowl after a 1,400-yard season had earned him recognition as one of many league’s quickest rising stars.
The curse strikes
Not too lengthy after he was named the duvet athlete for Madden NFL 2000, Sanders introduced his retirement from the NFL in a shock transfer that left followers — and the league, by most accounts — reeling. Whereas it’s not the obvious proof of a “curse,” Sanders’ surprising exit from the league left an enormous void within the Detroit roster, and there stays fairly a little bit of controversy (and thriller) surrounding the situation that ended the profession of one of many league’s best gamers.
With Sanders’ sudden departure, EA Sports activities promptly organized one other cowl starring up-and-coming participant Levens, who had helped lead the Inexperienced Bay Packers to quite a few playoff runs in current seasons. The season after showing on the duvet would turn into his final on the beginning roster; nonetheless, as an irritating and relentless damage restricted him in 1999 and Inexperienced Bay skilled their poorest file since Brett Favre joined the crew as their quarterback in 1992. The Packers finally discharged Levens in 2001.
Madden NFL 99
Cowl athlete: Garrison Hearst (San Francisco 49ers)
The highway to the duvet
Upon becoming a member of the 49ers in 1997, the previous College of Georgia working again established franchise data in 1998 for yards in a single season and collective dashing/receiving yards. He additionally is understood for engaging in probably the most longspun runs in NFL historical past. Throughout this historic second, Hearst earned the game-winning landing in time beyond regulation because the 49ers confronted the New York Jets in the course of the first recreation of the 1998 season.
The curse strikes
After he claimed the title of the first-ever cowl athlete for the forthcoming version of Madden NFL, Hearst led his crew straight to the playoffs. Sadly, he suffered a horrible damaged ankle within the second-round recreation versus the Atlanta Falcons. Put up-surgery problems led to certainly one of his foot bones dying, and early analysis confirmed that he would possibly by no means return to the sphere once more. Hearst missed the next two seasons whereas he was recovering from his unlucky damage.
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