Who will be the Madden 09 cover athlete?

by pastapadre
Posted April 15th, 2008 at 5:54 pm

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.

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Michael

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.
Michael

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.
Michael

I personnally hope John Madden doesnt get on the cover
Michael

I personnally hope John Madden doesnt get on the cover
Dantecamp

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.
Dantecamp

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.
Michael

Yea they did that with Ncaa football 09 having Darren McFadden on the cover and having the better running controls
Michael

Yea they did that with Ncaa football 09 having Darren McFadden on the cover and having the better running controls
pastapadre

[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.
pastapadre

[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.
joshdawg23

Cromartie is a beast, I hope he gets it.
Kev5890

One question, how is cromartie this years Hester? Hester is this years Hester..he was amazing again
pastapadre

[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.
joshdawg23

Cromartie is a beast, I hope he gets it.
Kev5890

One question, how is cromartie this years Hester? Hester is this years Hester..he was amazing again
pastapadre

[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.
http://youtube.com/profile?user=XxMadCowxX XxMadCowxX

All Day.
http://youtube.com/profile?user=XxMadCowxX XxMadCowxX

All Day.
pat

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
pat

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
Kev5890

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.
Kev5890

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.
Ryan

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.
Ryan

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.
Kev5890

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.
Kev5890

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.
Erv

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?
Erv

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?
hubcapp

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
hubcapp

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
chris

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
chris

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
Da Birthday Boy

It will be Brian Westbrook, Fred Taylor or David Garrard.
Da Birthday Boy

It will be Brian Westbrook, Fred Taylor or David Garrard.
http://www.thefanboys.com/ Boom

My guess would be Big John himself. Maybe a collage of all the previous “Madden” covers???
http://www.thefanboys.com Boom

My guess would be Big John himself. Maybe a collage of all the previous “Madden” covers???
hubcapp

the one idea with the cover showing all previous covers wont work . two words … mike vick
hubcapp

the one idea with the cover showing all previous covers wont work . two words … mike vick
Da Birthday Boy

Just read my 3 picks because those would all be perfect choices and portray the right image.
Da Birthday Boy

Just read my 3 picks because those would all be perfect choices and portray the right image.
pastapadre

[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.
pastapadre

[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.
Kev5890

[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)
Kev5890

[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)
hubcapp

interesting …but having more than one person would mean spending more money and i dont see EA doing that
hubcapp

interesting …but having more than one person would mean spending more money and i dont see EA doing that
pastapadre

[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.
pastapadre

[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.
Mike

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.
Mike

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.