Curse Reverse: Madden 24 Cover 🎮

06/08/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Bills QB Josh Allen Gets Nod for Madden 24 Cover, But Should He Be Worried?

One of Wednesday’s side stories was the reveal of the Madden 24 cover with Bills QB Josh Allen. Hardly a surprise that it was a crowning achievement and “dream come true” for the 27-year-old rising star, but it leads us all to (once again) question ‘The Madden Curse’ — a myth that’s been slowly busted in recent years. Players who appear on the cover of the iconic EA Sports video game have often been doomed to injuries, decline, or other bad juju. But is it real?

History of ‘The Madden Curse’

Since the game’s first release in 1999, Madden has been the go-to football video game for millions of NFL fans. More than 25 players have been displayed on the cover, many of them at the peak of their careers. Here are some of the terrifying examples of what happened to players shortly after earning the title of Madden Cover Boy.

2000: Lions RB Barry Sanders (immediately retired)

2001: Titans RB Eddie George (costly playoff fumble)

2003: Rams RB Marshall Faulk (injured 1/2 season)

2004: Falcons QB Michael Vick (leg fracture, arrested)

2007: Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander (done within 2 yrs)

2008: Titans QB Vince Young (17 INTs, benched)

2009: Packers QB Brett Favre (left for Jets)

2012: Browns RB Peyton Hillis (injured 1/2 season)

2014: Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (injured, arrested)

2015: Seahawks CB Richard Sherman (elbow surgery)

2017: Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (injured 10 games)

2019: Steelers WR Antonio Brown (no caption needed)

History says the ‘curse’ is either real or the NFL is just a brutal and barbaric league with inevitable injuries and off-the-field issues.

Reverse the Curse

In recent years, the curse has been lifted. Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson have all graced the cover from 2018-2022. That’s three Super Bowl rings, three MVP awards, and three of the highest-paid contracts in sports history, including Brady’s broadcasting payday.

Many believed the Madden 24 honor was between three quarterbacks — Joe Burrow (Bengals), Jalen Hurts (Eagles), and Allen. You’re up, Josh. Keep the curse reversed.

Sporting News: A Complete History of NFL Stars Who Experienced ‘Madden Curse’ Cover Jinx

Image via @JoshAllenQB Twitter