One of my favorite games of all-time is Madden football from EA Sports. Like a true Madden geek, I was excited about today’s announcement for the Madden 2010 cover athlete. Larry Fitzgerald and Troy Polamalu will become Madden’s first dual cover players. We can all thank the boys at EA for cursing two of the most exciting players in the NFL.
The Madden game is known just as much for its “Madden Curse” than the actual game itself. NFL fans cringe when their team’s franchise player is announced as the game’s cover athlete. The curse is very real. Eight of the last 10 cover players have had their seasons marred by injury, had disappointing seasons, or flat out retired before season’s end.
As far as game play, this year’s cover athletes leave more questions than usual going into Madden Day. EA usually tips its hat by putting a player reflective of the game-play on the cover. Lewis donned the cover when EA spiced up the defense in 2005. Regardless, I will be counting the days down until the game’s release or what we like to call “Madden Day”. I would rather see them do a little less, take care of some minor details, and let the game be.
Steelers and Cardinals fans beware. No team has ever won the Super Bowl with one of its players featured on the cover. If I were a betting man, I would bet that the tradition continues this season. Oh, and Larry Fitzgerald fantasy owners may want to consider trading the star wideout. Be proactive before the curse gets you!
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