It’s that time of year again, folks! The time when the NFL season is over, and we have to continue playing Madden with the “old” teams while we wait for the latest edition of the legendary game.
But it’s also that time of year when we discover who will grace the cover of the newest Madden edition – and this upcoming year, it’s San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.
RELATED: NFL Clarifies Report That Packers, Eagles Not Allowed to Wear Green In Brazil Due to Gangs
McCaffrey Latest to Grace Madden Cover
Let’s just get this out of the way: Madden may just be a video game, but it’s a big deal. Both to fans and the players we vicariously live through as we mere mortals chase the Lombardi on the digital gridiron.
The cherished spot on the cover is well-deserved for McCaffrey, who is currently the best running back in the game.
Last year, he racked up some ridiculous stats in order to earn the coveted spot. After coming off several injury-shortened seasons with the Carolina Panthers, McCaffrey racked up 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground, along with an incredible 67 receptions for 564 yards and seven touchdowns through the air.
Most incredibly, he set an NFL record for scoring a touchdown in 17 straight games.
Yeah, he IS that guy, and he earned it.
But back to how much the players care – they even care about their stats! Recall that when Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams achieved the coveted 99 rating, his then-Packers teammates Aaron Rodgers and David Bakhtiari got him epic gifts.
Watch:
BUT… (duh duh duh…)
RELATED: Roger Goodell Discusses Likelihood Of An 18-Game NFL Schedule
Beware the Madden Curse!
There is a drawback to the honor of being chosen for the Madden cover: The dreaded Madden Curse.
Is it real? Let’s look at just a few examples of when the Madden Curse struck.
Note – all these examples come after the player (obviously, they were chosen for the cover!) had a great season.
In 2002, Minnesota Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper had a rough season, missing six games to injury and throwing just 14 touchdowns on his way to a 4-7 record.
In 2003, Rams running back Marshall Faulk missed five games and never had another 1,000 yard season in his career.
2004: Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick broke his leg. Nuff said!
In 2006, Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb missed half of his 6-10 season.
In 2009, newly-minted New York Jets QB Brett Favre had the worst season of his career, hurting his shoulder and throwing 22 picks. (Though the next season he would have with the Minnesota Vikings was arguably the best of his career!)
The list goes on! My verdict is – the curse is real, Christian. Beware!
More about:Football