The John Madden NFL video game series is one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. But it is also known for one dubious distinction: The Madden Curse. This curse allegedly predicts an ill-fated season for the player who graces the video game cover. Peyton Hillis will be on the cover of the 2012 version of the game. But history has shown that this is not something that is worth celebrating.
For the 1990 through 2000 versions of the game, Madden himself has been on the cover. Starting with the 2001 version, a new NFL player has been selected for the cover each year. But the curse actually started with the 2000 release of the video game. Though Madden was still on the cover, the background contained a silhouette of Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders. Sanders shockingly announced his retirement before the start of the 1999 season.
The 2001 release of the game saw Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George become the first NFL player to be on the cover. He had his best season as a pro, with 1,509 yards and 14 touchdowns. But the curse got him in other ways. His team lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs that season. The following season, George had one of his worst years as a pro.
Minnesota Vikings quarter back Daunte Culpepper made the 2002 cover. That season, he injured his knee and missed five games. He threw for just 14 touchdowns and had 13 interceptions.
Marshall Faulk was the cover model for Madden 2003. This St. Louis Rams running back was dominant in the previous season. But his rushing and receiving numbers dropped in almost every category. As a result, the Rams had a less than average season.
Madden video game players saw Michael Vick on the 2004 cover. That season, Vick was sidelined with a broken leg. He played in just five regular season games. That would be the least of his troubles, as Vick was indicted for dog-fighting in 2007.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis became the first defensive player to make a Madden cover. But the cover was not kind to Lewis. He missed the last game of the season with an injury. His interceptions dropped from 6 to 0.
Being selected for the 2006 cover was not good news for Donovan McNabb. He had the most injuries of his career that season with Philadelphia. The injuries forced McNabb to end his season after nine games. That was the shortest season of his NFL career.
Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander was on the Madden 2007 cover. He fractured his foot that season and played in only ten games. He hadn't missed a regular season game prior to making the cover.
The 2008 version of the game put Titans quarterback Vince Young on the cover. Young was able to play in 15 games, but his numbers dropped significantly. He threw only 9 touchdowns, along with 17 interceptions. His rushing numbers also dropped.
Brett Favre made the 2009 cover. This iron man played in every game for the Jets, but it was later revealed that Favre was playing with a torn biceps.
The 2010 Madden cover featured two NFL players: Troy Polamalu and Larry Fitzgerald. Polamalu, the Pittsburgh Steelers safety, suffered an injury in the season opener. That sidelined him for a few weeks. An injury-plagued season limited Polamalu to just five regular season games. The curse spared Fitzgerald, who did not miss any time at wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals.
New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was on the cover for Madden 2011. He stayed healthy that season, but threw a career-high 22 interceptions.
That brings us to the 2012 version of the Madden NFL video game. The fans selected Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis for the cover. Cleveland fans must be happy to get recognition for their star running back. But history has shown that the happiness may be short-lived.
