There are two reactions from a fanbase when one of their top players gets picked to be on the cover of “Madden”: excitement and concern.
That’s because of the “Madden curse.”
Over the years, cover athletes have frequently either gotten hurt or regressed the season after being the face of “Madden”. Most recently, Christian McCaffrey played just four years in 2024 after being on the cover and Saquon Barkley was a shell of himself last season after being the face of “Madden 26”.
Fortunately for Rams fans, they won’t have to worry about that pesky curse this year. EA Sports revealed the cover on Wednesday and it’s not the reigning MVP Matthew Stafford on the front. EA went with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams instead.
Even new Rams OLB Myles Garrett was a possible choice after breaking the single-season sack record last year.
As great as it would’ve been for Stafford to get his flowers as a “Madden” cover athlete, Rams fans are probably happy to avoid any potential curse on their 38-year-old quarterback. With it being Super Bowl or bust, the Rams don’t need any bad juju working against them.
Now we wait and see if Williams can stay healthy and continue to progress as the “Madden 27” cover star.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams dodge potential ‘Madden curse’ as EA passes on Matthew Stafford
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
