Who will be the Madden 09 cover athlete?
by 
More so than ever before the cover of Madden is up for grabs. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the series. With that in mind the “traditional cover athlete” and decisions behind who gets chosen could be completely different. So lets look at some of the different aspects to consider, some players who won’t be on the cover, and the top contenders.
There are the traditional cover athletes. The players who would get the cover based on their performance the previous year.
There are the 20th Anniversary cover athletes. Big name players who may want the prestige of this version despite not needing it. They may not need the money or exposure but for such an event would consider it.
There are the non-traditional covers. Those may include John Madden or one featuring all the covers from the previous versions of the game.
First getting out of the way some players who won’t be on the cover.
- LaDainian Tomlinson: EA’s first choice last year but turned down the offer. His agent then made it public that they weren’t offered enough money. Surely EA didn’t appreciate all that. Plus Tomlinson had a rough year.
- Terrell Owens: Was on the cover of NFL 2K5. Does not portray the image or get the type of attention that EA would like to present especially for such a big event as their 20th Anniversary.
- Randy Moss: Pretty much the same as TO
- Tony Romo: Brings about images of botched field goal holds, playoff interceptions, and Jessica Simpson.
- Peyton Manning: Way too overexposed. He advertises for everything. The effect wouldn’t be as great. Former NFL Fever cover athlete.
Now the rundown of the top eight candidates for the Madden 09 cover.
- #8 – Bob Sanders: Won the Defensive Player of the Year award. His impact on the Colts is always brought up when playing on national television. The only defensive player to be on the cover of Madden was Ray Lewis in 2005 so that could either mean the odds are against another or a defensive player is due.
- #7 – Tom Brady: Most likely would’ve been the cover athlete had the Patriots not lost the Super Bowl. Now seeing him on it would just conjure up thoughts of how they had an incredible run but didn’t win the one that mattered most. He is on the cover of Backyard Football so obviously he has not taken the same stance as Tomlinson. One of the greatest QBs of all time would certainly fit on the cover of the biggest Madden ever.
- #6 – John Madden: It would make a lot of sense for Madden to be back on the cover of his game after 20 years. Consider also the possibility of Madden being on the cover of the collector’s edition box with an athlete on the cover of the actual game box.
- #5- Brett Favre: It would be fitting after a great career if Favre was chosen for the cover of Madden. You could look back on his career in the same way that you look back on the history of Madden. Favre has proven he loves media attention and this would give him a new reason to be in the spotlight once again. Plus he has plenty of time to promote the game and has a very favorable relationship with the media.
- #4- Eli Manning: I have been amused at the momentum behind Eli as that all originated here and has spread like crazy. Almost because of that it reduces my confidence that he will eventually be the guy. I think EA is looking to have someone on the cover that isn’t already assumed to have it in the bag. Still the story behind him and the Giants is one that can’t be ignored.
- #3- Antonio Cromartie: This year’s Devin Hester. He represents excitement and big plays. The 109 yard FG miss return is a great example of that. He led the league in interceptions and picked off both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in the playoffs. Can’t beat that resume.
- #2- Braylon Edwards: Edwards is a young and exciting player that has put up big numbers on a young and exciting team that is getting a lot of attention (as evidenced by the Browns five primetime games this year). There has never been a receiver on the cover of Madden but Edwards would be a great choice to be the first. The ghosted cover art (which may or may not be an indication of the eventual player) shows a wide receiver.
- #1- Adrian Peterson: As I mentioned with Eli Manning the impression around this year’s cover announcement is that they’ll be making a splash. Peterson would be a great cover athlete. He is young, an upstanding citizen and teammate, and broke records and won awards all as a rookie. Because of that he wouldn’t be a surprise. I can’t justify taking him out of the #1 slot though. He makes almost too much sense as the possible Madden 09 cover athlete.
April 15, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Great article pasta Braylon Edwards is a nice thought i never thought about him but i want Brett Farve to get it but i think Adrian Peterson will end up getting it. Cromartie would also be an awesome pick someone unique like that.
April 15, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I personnally hope John Madden doesnt get on the cover
April 15, 2008 at 6:09 pm
What happened to the “cover athlete relates to our big feature for this year´s game” thing? I loved when they had the Playmaker feature and Vick was on the cover. Same thing with Ray Lewis and the Hit-Stick. I believe it was a much better way to portrait the game.
April 15, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Yea they did that with Ncaa football 09 having Darren McFadden on the cover and having the better running controls
April 15, 2008 at 6:13 pm
[quote comment="17705"]What happened to the “cover athlete relates to our big feature for this year´s game” thing? I loved when they had the Playmaker feature and Vick was on the cover. Same thing with Ray Lewis and the Hit-Stick. I believe it was a much better way to portrait the game.[/quote]
Yeah they went away from that with Vince Young last year. I don’t think they’ll go back to having the cover guy represent a big feature in the near future. It creates too narrow of a focus.
[quote comment="17706"]Yea they did that with Ncaa football 09 having Darren McFadden on the cover and having the better running controls[/quote]
Well hes just on the 360 cover. It’ll probably be a different position on the PS3 cover. So I don’t think he was chosen cause of the feature, he was just chosen cause he was the biggest name.
April 15, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Cromartie is a beast, I hope he gets it.
April 15, 2008 at 6:13 pm
One question, how is cromartie this years Hester? Hester is this years Hester..he was amazing again
April 15, 2008 at 6:13 pm
[quote comment="17709"]One question, how is cromartie this years Hester? Hester is this years Hester..he was amazing again[/quote]
Well I was pushing Hester for the cover last year. He came off the amazing season topped off with the return to start the Super Bowl. If he was going to get the cover he would’ve last year. They represent many of the same things but Cromartie had the bigger season especially considering the team’s success and performances in the playoffs.
April 15, 2008 at 6:26 pm
All Day.
April 15, 2008 at 6:30 pm
i think its a good idea for john maden to be on the 20th anniversary adition but ea knows they want customers to be happy so most likely we will see a player on the cover and devin hester has no right to be on the cover
April 15, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Devin Hester has no right to be on the cover?
Check the stats..Devin Hester has destroyed the punt return and kick return tds in the amount of trys he has had.
April 15, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I hope Brett Favre gets it. He is my favorite quarterback of all time, and I’m a Patriots fan (Tom Brady). As I read in Sports Illustrated, “He isn’t the best quarterback ever, he is just the best guy to ever play quarterback.” However as to who deserves it most, as much as it pains me to say I think it is Eli Manning. That was the greatest play in Super Bowl history, he was undefeated on the road, threw one interception in the postseason, went to Tampa Bay Dallas and Green Bay and won all three, etc. I think it should be one of these two with a third option of Sean Taylor. I think this would be a great tribute to him.
April 15, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Most TD Returns in a Season (6)
Most TD Returns in a Game (2)
Highest Ratio Ever for TDs per Return (13.5)
11 TD returns is just 2 shy of NFL Career record (Brian Mitchell in 223 games…Devin’s played in just 32 regular season games.
Devin Hester has changed the way special teams is played. I am a Bears fan..Do you realize how many teams kick away from this guy because they are scared?
To say Hester has no right..is a joke.
April 15, 2008 at 6:56 pm
I think it should be a collection of 3-5 current star players,it would be cool to see the stars of the NFL grace the cover and it would make sense to do something different with the cover because of it being an anniversary edition, we all do something special or different on anniversary’s, i can remember Madden commercials with 5 different players advertising the game, i think it was either the Ray Lewis year or Michael Vick year not sure, what do you think Pasta?
April 15, 2008 at 7:04 pm
what about cleo lemon? he deserves it… i mean look what he did for my dolphins when the great trent green went down. for all his hard work, he and cam cameron got us the first pick in the draft! dolphins will make it to the superbowl i guarantee it
April 15, 2008 at 7:05 pm
One interesting choice I read on another forum, but won’t come to fruition, was Sean Taylor.
The man was a beast on the field and it would serve as a tribute to a great player whose life was taken early.
It won’t happen and it may not make for the best advertising campaign, but I thought it was interesting to mention. And hey, no worries about a curse, right?
I think you made some really great top 3 picks, pasta. After VY last year, I could see how EA may be trying to get young and very exciting talents on their covers. Guys who are explosive and had great outputs in the previous year, and I think Cromart (FSU represent!), Braylon, and AD Peterson would be good choices
April 15, 2008 at 7:09 pm
It will be Brian Westbrook, Fred Taylor or David Garrard.
April 15, 2008 at 7:10 pm
My guess would be Big John himself. Maybe a collage of all the previous “Madden” covers???
April 15, 2008 at 7:11 pm
the one idea with the cover showing all previous covers wont work . two words … mike vick
April 15, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Just read my 3 picks because those would all be perfect choices and portray the right image.
April 15, 2008 at 7:14 pm
[quote comment="17719"]I think it should be a collection of 3-5 current star players,it would be cool to see the stars of the NFL grace the cover and it would make sense to do something different with the cover because of it being an anniversary edition, we all do something special or different on anniversary’s, i can remember Madden commercials with 5 different players advertising the game, i think it was either the Ray Lewis year or Michael Vick year not sure, what do you think Pasta?[/quote]
Well youre right about the advertising campaigns, for example last year it was Vince Young, Devin Hester, and Reggie Bush. I don’t get the feeling though that they’ll go away from having one cover guy.
April 15, 2008 at 7:16 pm
[quote comment="17722"]One interesting choice I read on another forum, but won’t come to fruition, was Sean Taylor.
The man was a beast on the field and it would serve as a tribute to a great player whose life was taken early.[/quote]
That will never happen unless they put everyone who passed away on the cover. It would be rude if you had Taylor on there and not guys like darrent williams and the others that died ( I think it was 3 others)
April 15, 2008 at 7:19 pm
interesting …but having more than one person would mean spending more money and i dont see EA doing that
April 15, 2008 at 7:20 pm
[quote comment="17729"][quote comment="17722"]One interesting choice I read on another forum, but won’t come to fruition, was Sean Taylor.
The man was a beast on the field and it would serve as a tribute to a great player whose life was taken early.[/quote]
That will never happen unless they put everyone who passed away on the cover. It would be rude if you had Taylor on there and not guys like darrent williams and the others that died ( I think it was 3 others)[/quote]
Plus they would get critcized for exploiting his image. While some would say it would be a tribute you know it would be spun that way too. Theres simply no chance of a Sean Taylor cover.
April 15, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Peterson has battle injury problem just about every year of his life that he’s played football, the Madden curse doesn’t exist, but after putting together a phenomenal, and almost injury free rookie season, does AD really want to be answering questions about the curse and injuries all year? I would think not, he’ll get massive press with or without the cover, I say he politely declines it.
I would think EA would look for a high character player, that is more proven than VY. My take on Pasta’s picks:
Sanders: Doubtful, he’s low profile, and a defensive player.. If a player from that side of the ball is on the cover, he’s got to be hype guy like Ray Lewis was. Strahan is more likely, but it won’t be a defensive player.
Brady: Pasta’s reasons were right on, but I think he’s closer to the top of the list, his stats were still insane, and he’s a huge name. Hold it against him if you like, but how many Superbowls have YOU lost?
Madden: Again right on, cover of the package with an athlete on the box.. And I hope they use an old picture, he looks like a talking bowl of jello these days.
Favre: Not a chance, he’s not in the game. (unless he unretires, in which case he’s a top candidate)
Manning: Too much like VY, there’s no reason to believe he’ll have a great season.. in fact he didn’t have a great season last year, it would be almost like putting Trent Dilfer on the cover years ago.
Cromartie: Flashy, but I doubt he’s a big enough name. He’s a huge threat in a high school kind of way, but he’s not an elite CB. It would also be odd considering the thing he’s most known for -Special teams and INT returns are laughable in Madden, I doubt they could overhaul specials to a point that they want to highlight it.
Edwards: Solid pick, big hype, will get results, my number one pick for the cover. And it’s great for the Cleveland Clinic, EA could take the blame for staph infections now.
Peterson: Covered AD
Amazing isn’t it? The Madden marketing machine… has us all talking about this like it matters. And you buy the game, and pretty much ignore the picture on the box anyway.. Though, I can’t stand Jared Zebransky on my NCAA 08, anyone but him, seriously.
This post is way too long, nobody will get this far. And, unretired isn’t a real word. Peace.
April 15, 2008 at 7:33 pm
[quote comment="17731"][quote comment="17729"][quote comment="17722"]One interesting choice I read on another forum, but won’t come to fruition, was Sean Taylor.
The man was a beast on the field and it would serve as a tribute to a great player whose life was taken early.[/quote]
That will never happen unless they put everyone who passed away on the cover. It would be rude if you had Taylor on there and not guys like darrent williams and the others that died ( I think it was 3 others)[/quote]
Plus they would get critcized for exploiting his image. While some would say it would be a tribute you know it would be spun that way too. Theres simply no chance of a Sean Taylor cover.[/quote]
Oh yeah. I just thought it was interesting. As I said myself it definitely won’t work. My original expectation was for big John to be back, but it seems it’s all about the young talent now
April 15, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Yea your probably right Pasta, here is my top 3 then: #3 – Hester (definitely should be considered, he is a playmaker no doubt)
#2 – Patrick Willis (guy is a beast, the next Ray Lewis , ran down a Cardinal receiver last year in O.T. incredible)
#1 – David Tyree ( photo of that great catch on the cover, I still have a feeling it might him, just got that weird feeling
April 15, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Brian Westbrook, Fred Taylor, David Garrard, final answer.
April 15, 2008 at 7:48 pm
[quote comment="17734"]Yea your probably right Pasta, here is my top 3 then: #3 – Hester (definitely should be considered, he is a playmaker no doubt)
#2 – Patrick Willis (guy is a beast, the next Ray Lewis , ran down a Cardinal receiver last year in O.T. incredible)
#1 – David Tyree ( photo of that great catch on the cover, I still have a feeling it might him, just got that weird feeling[/quote]
I like Patrick Willis a lot but it’s too early. The 49ers weren’t good enough for him to get enough coverage. Another year and he’ll be a top candidate, on of the best MLB’s in the game. Also, Mike I like how you have no confidence in anyone reading your entire post, haha I found your ending hilarious good work.
April 15, 2008 at 8:04 pm
[quote comment="17735"]Brian Westbrook, Fred Taylor, David Garrard, final answer.[/quote]
I wouldnt eliminate any of those guys, they’re all somewhat deserving. But we just had an Eagle on the cover a couple years ago. Taylor and Garrard are good but don’t really stand out at their positions. They would be awfully understated choices for a 20th Anniversary cover.
I’m fairly confident that the cover will come from my list.
April 16, 2008 at 5:25 am
D. Hester also had the most fumbles out of any return man in the NFL last year. Maybe if one of the new features is fumble pile-ons, he could portray that feature perfectly!
Cover—Marshawn “BEAST MODE” Lynch
April 16, 2008 at 5:58 am
As a Colts fan I say NO to Sanders & YES to Brady…not taking a chance with that curse.
April 16, 2008 at 6:03 am
Terrell Owens: Was on the cover of NFL 2K5. Does not portray the image or get the type of attention that EA would like to present especially for such a big event as their 20th Anniversary.
Randy Moss: Pretty much the same as TO
You never stop bro LOL^^^^
Why cant they just be trouble makers?????? 2k5??? Randy was on the other 2k covers, so im pretty sure you and the bosses will make sure that could or should NEVER happen…
I would like to see Farve on there, dont put AP on there… Too Early (to be CURSED)
Oh well, atleast Chris Paul is the man LOL
Peace to the button mashers!
April 16, 2008 at 6:28 am
What about my boy marshawn lynch Pasta????
April 16, 2008 at 7:23 am
Pasta, over at IGN today they have gameplay footage of Gamebreaker. Do you think this puts on any pressure for Madden seeing that the game looks rediculously REAL?!? Just yesterday I asked you if Madden would ever change camera views like older versions allowed you to, and you didn’t think that football had any good vantage points to use. This Gamebreaker is just plain sick!!! Looks like Gears of War’s “roadie run” view and I think there is room for Madden to certainly improve visually now seeing this…
…that IS next gen!
April 16, 2008 at 7:49 am
[quote comment="17754"]Pasta, over at IGN today they have gameplay footage of Gamebreaker. Do you think this puts on any pressure for Madden seeing that the game looks rediculously REAL?!? Just yesterday I asked you if Madden would ever change camera views like older versions allowed you to, and you didn’t think that football had any good vantage points to use. This Gamebreaker is just plain sick!!! Looks like Gears of War’s “roadie run” view and I think there is room for Madden to certainly improve visually now seeing this…
…that IS next gen![/quote]
I think it would be tough to make such a drastic change for the general gameplay. I mean that video looked cool but it was just a kick return, didn’t have any blocking/interaction, ect. So it is hard to judge too much off of it for how it will translate to the entirety of a football game.
EA has gone and done the individual camera angles for the Superstar/Campus Legend modes. It probably would work better in that sense. Those angles still could use a lot of work but with how they vary from position to position it is difficult to come up with ideal ones for each. FIFA in Be a Pro mode has the “Gears of War” type camera feel to it.
Its definitely something to monitor though for sure. It does seem like it would add a lot of excitement.
April 16, 2008 at 7:50 am
my inside tip told me its reggie bush. BOOK IT
April 16, 2008 at 8:03 am
[quote comment="17756"]my inside tip told me its reggie bush. BOOK IT[/quote]
I’d put money on Reggie Roby before Reggie Bush…didn’t he have a sophomore slump-type year? Saints stink again and he hasn’t delivered on his hype yet. He is exciting though…
April 16, 2008 at 8:05 am
It amazes me (and it’s just me) that the topic is who is on The Cover means anything to anyone … not deriding anyone, because clearing by the number of posts in the thread people are interested
This is why Madden has transcended the video game niche and is now a cultural icon – the talk about covers, draft commercials, mock draft w/ uni’s etc all package it as more than the sum of it’s gameplaying parts. The critcal mass it’s built from a marketing perspective is impressive as hell, regardless of what you think of the game
April 16, 2008 at 8:08 am
I know didnt make much sense to me but like I said BOOK IT
April 16, 2008 at 8:54 am
I don’t care who is on the cover, if Madden us worth the purchase this yr(it hasn’t been since 05) I’ll just add my own cover the day I get the game.
April 16, 2008 at 9:47 am
Good list, Pasta.
I think it will be Madden, himself……as a last fitting tribute, and then EA drops his name from the game.
April 16, 2008 at 9:49 am
[quote comment="17765"]Good list, Pasta.
I think it will be Madden, himself……as a last fitting tribute, and then EA drops his name from the game.[/quote]
Although…………..why am I second guessing myself that it just could be Farve, lol.
April 16, 2008 at 10:40 am
Man, I SO do not care who the cover athlete is going to be. Now that I have updated rosters for ESPN 2K5 this game is going to be a rental for me, at best.
April 16, 2008 at 11:10 am
It should only go to Eli Manning or Adrian Peterson, preferrably Adrian Peterson. If EA plans to ever have him on the cover the year is now. Think about it, the life span of a running back is short(especially considering his running style). Also he is comming off of one of the best rookie seasons for a running back ever! So if EA is ever going to use him then the time is now. Although it’s a tough decision with Eli Manning comming off of a cinderella season & Super Bowl victory over the undefeated Patriots. You can’t go wrong with either one of them.
April 16, 2008 at 11:38 am
TO is better then Edwards so I don’t know why he wouldn’t be in the running.
April 16, 2008 at 11:54 am
[quote comment="17770"]TO is better then Edwards so I don’t know why he wouldn’t be in the running.[/quote]
hes an a-hole who was already on the cover of a rival game. pasta listed out the reasoning and i agree. its even arguable whether he is better than edwards. i know id rather have edwards on my team if i was choosing between the two
April 16, 2008 at 12:15 pm
[quote comment="17760"]It amazes me (and it’s just me) that the topic is who is on The Cover means anything to anyone … not deriding anyone, because clearing by the number of posts in the thread people are interested
This is why Madden has transcended the video game niche and is now a cultural icon – the talk about covers, draft commercials, mock draft w/ uni’s etc all package it as more than the sum of it’s gameplaying parts. The critcal mass it’s built from a marketing perspective is impressive as hell, regardless of what you think of the game[/quote]
Why you on this site then man just shut up
April 16, 2008 at 1:02 pm
[quote comment="17771"][quote comment="17770"]TO is better then Edwards so I don’t know why he wouldn’t be in the running.[/quote]
hes an a-hole who was already on the cover of a rival game. pasta listed out the reasoning and i agree. its even arguable whether he is better than edwards. i know id rather have edwards on my team if i was choosing between the two[/quote]
Terrell Owens: 81 Catches,1355 Yards,15 tds.
Edwards:80 catches,1289 yards, 16 tds.
So lets see here TO had 2 out of 3 most important categories. Or in other words tds and catches were basically even and TO had way more yards.
April 16, 2008 at 1:05 pm
If you consider 66 yards WAY MORE…I would take that extra TD over 66 measily yards!