It’s finally out! Every year, fans gear up with excitement as they wait for the release of the annual cover athlete for EA Sports’ next edition of Madden. There were a lot of speculations in the NFL world regarding the name of the next athlete on the cover. The popular NFL-centric video game has been a staple for every football fan for years. But over the years, fans have often been left disappointed by the game. Not only for its gameplay or graphics (for the most part) but more so for the athlete who is chosen as the prestigious cover athlete for the game. And, it seems this year is also the same.
Last year, the prestigious honor was reserved for the namesake of the game, John Madden himself, after the beloved coach’s passing in 2021. The latest to join the list, and star as the cover athlete for Madden ‘24, is none other than the Buffalo Bills QB, Josh Allen.
NFL Fans thrash EA Sports for ‘trash’ game
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While Madden might be the most popular football game, it has been at the receiving end of criticism for quite some years due to its lackluster gameplay and feature athletes. While the announcement of Josh Allen as the cover athlete was mostly well-received, fans did not hesitate to diss the latest edition to the Madden franchise.
You were made for this 💥
Pre-order #Madden24 today https://t.co/6PIfUHWy4r pic.twitter.com/qgLcqlCmR7
— Madden NFL 24 (@EAMaddenNFL) June 7, 2023
Fans were left raging at the game in the comments section upon the announcement.
“Another year of trash” said a fan in the comments, displeased by the announcement trailer of the game.
“okay madden 🔥🔥🔥🔥 this game looks awful 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥” chimed in another fan with a hilarious jab at the franchise.
“How about you make a decent game” commented another fan, mocking the game.
But the most intricate critique perhaps, was by this fan, with a detailed criticism of the graphics complaints about the game, “Graphics need to be much improved. At this point the lines should be blurred between the reality and virtual reality. These graphics still look like this could be an XB1 game.”
Read More: “Offer He Can’t Refuse”: NFL Star Russell Wilson’s Wife Drops Bombshell About Her Irresistible Offer
While the comments of EA’s announcement post were rife with criticism, the cover athlete, Josh Allen, did take out the time to write a heartfelt message about his prestigious honor of being chosen as the cover athlete for the game. But there is a rather strange theory behind this achievement and will Allen be the one to lift the curse?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Can Josh Allen beat the ‘Madden Curse’?
While Allen will be thrilled to be chosen as the star adorning the cover of the latest edition of the Madden franchise, there is bound to be a lingering fear in the back of his mind. Over the years, athletes who have graced the covers of the Madden franchise have been subjected to a disappointing or injury-ridden year in their next season.
Be it voodoo, hex magic, or a curse, superstars upon superstars have fallen prey to the Madden Curse, as it has been labeled by fans. Since 1999, of the 26 athletes who have graced the cover of the game, 15 have suffered injuries in the following seasons, with many others suffering unproductive seasons. Even the greats like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes have not been left alone by the infamous curse. Can Allen finally break the trend and defeat the Madden Curse? We’ll have to wait and see!
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: 28-Year-Old NFL Star Shatters Bodybuilding Norms with Mind-Blowing Muscle Display