Learning who will grace the cover of the “Madden NFL” video game has become an anticipated annual reveal. It’s a prestigious honor awarded to the NFL’s premier players who will inevitably face questions about fearing the so-called curse.
This year, however, it makes sense to eschew those stars to instead honor the man behind the legendary franchise.
The betting market agrees. Per Bovada’s odds (h/t NESN’s Jason Ounpraseuth), John Madden is an overwhelming -200 favorite to get his first cover since “Madden NFL 2000” came out in 1999. The former head coach and broadcaster passed away last December at 85 years old.
Starting when “John Madden Football” came out in 1988, Madden graced the covers until Eddie George became the franchise’s first cover athlete on Madden NFL 2021. Returning to the game’s namesake would be a fitting tribute to the decorated broadcaster.
After Madden, Cooper Kupp (+600), Aaron Rodgers (+800), Matthew Stafford (+1200), Jonathan Taylor (+1200), Trevon Diggs (+1400), Ja’Marr Chase (+1600), and Travis Kelce (+2000) are some of the top contenders.
Bovada also specified that one person must claim sole possession of the cover to honor wagers. Star quarterbacks Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes shared the spotlight last year after previously donning the cover individually for the 2018 and 2020 installments, respectively.
While there are plenty of deserving players, John Madden seems like the right call.
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