10 NFL Players Struck By The Madden Curse

Beware: Stardom comes at a price.

The Madden cover is released each year to great a fanfare, wide publicity, and a fan vote to decide which player takes up the poisoned chalice, and has their image immortalised on the cover of each game. Earning a place on the Madden cover ensures two things about that player: They're talented, and they're equally as popular. It should be an honour to know that you have been selected to be the virtual face of the league, but that's certainly not always the case. Instead, numerous careers have mysteriously spiralled after players have featured on the box, with 10 of the 17 cover stars missing games through injury the season after appearing on the cover, while other players have gone on to retire, or their top form has vanished soon after. The 'Madden Curse' is much-publicised, though less superstitious players still take great pride in being in contention to feature, with reporters keen to gather the thoughts of players who have been selected, or are in the running for the honour. So let's take a look at 10 major examples of players who have suffered the season after featuring on the Madden cover - in order of appearance - with a nod to their form before appearing on the game.

 
Posted On: 
Contributor
Contributor

What Culture contributor. NCTJ accredited Sports Journalist. Regret-filled Sunderland AFC season ticket holder. Optimism-filled NFL fan. Lover of all things Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead & more.