On Wednesday, the excitement and tributes from NFL players began pouring in on social media after the release of the new Madden 23 cover. It features the late legendary Raiders head coach John Madden as the cover star to the delight of the entire NFL community. The move seems to be garnering praises from current and ex-players, who got the opportunity to talk and learn from the late legend.
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Madden will be returning to the cover for the first time in more than 2 decades as the video game developer, EA Sports considered to honor his association with the franchise. The game ranks among the highest-earning franchises in sports games history and has sold over 150 million copies.
He will grace the cover of all three editions of this year’s game, which is set to release in August.
The video game franchise has always been focused on putting the modern stars as cover athletes. Madden 23 is a clear exception to the norm. The NFL world lost Madden on December 28th, 2021 at the age of 85. His passing saw an outpour of love and support from the fans for the icon. Apart from a decade-long NFL coaching career, Madden was a 3-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster. His voice will make a welcoming return as a commentator in the game.
NFL players react to Madden 23 Cover on Twitter
The cover has a nostalgic feeling with fans of the franchise remembering the original John Madden Football, released on June 1, 1988. The All-Madden edition of the Madden 23 cover was a result of the design work of artist Chuck Styles.
The release of the new cover has widely received acceptance and praise from the NFL community. EA hopes to celebrate and cherish the three stages of Madden’s legendary career. Tyreek Hill was the earliest to react.
I grew up on Madden! This my favorite cover yet! #MaddenDay #EAathlete https://t.co/3JXaS0hMZv
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) June 1, 2022
Dallas Cowboys‘ Micah Parsons was happy about Madden 23’s iconic cover.
The Legend back on the Cover where he belongs 🐐
#MaddenDay | #EAathlete pic.twitter.com/s0Sf8FEv3y— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) June 1, 2022
Los Angeles Rams CB Jalen Ramsey believes that EA Sports has made the right choice.
This is crazy 🔥 EA did it right #EAathlete #MaddenDay https://t.co/LN9sSKnzh8
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) June 1, 2022
Ramsey’s teammate Cooper Kupp was also sharing his happiness about the Madden 23 cover.
It's great seeing Coach back on the cover! #EAathlete #MaddenDay pic.twitter.com/vNLkss2LyY
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) June 1, 2022
San Francisco 49ers OLB Fred Warner considers the new cover to be impressive.
The Cover looks good on you Coach!
#MaddenDay | #EAathlete pic.twitter.com/RbUnpIarNr— Fred Warner (@fred_warner) June 1, 2022
Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones was using one of Madden’s iconic catchphrases.
BOOM! Coach is back on the Cover
#MaddenDay | #EAathlete https://t.co/4bVQ6dd8Kg— Aaron Jones 3️⃣3️⃣ (@Showtyme_33) June 1, 2022
Las Vegas Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby was happy to see his franchise legend on the cover.
Coach Madden is a @Raiders Legend! So cool to see him on the Cover. #EAathlete #MaddenDay pic.twitter.com/ddmF0CMp9O
— 🦅MaddMaxx🦅 (@CrosbyMaxx) June 1, 2022
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. recounts playing the old Madden games.
Madden taught me the game! I was getting W’s on the sticks back then, and still am! Great to see Coach back on the cover. #EAathlete #MaddenDay pic.twitter.com/lHPrNuQ9Kf
— Derwin James Jr (@DerwinJames) June 1, 2022
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker went on a nostalgic trip.
You can always catch me on the sticks! This brings me back to my first Madden. Love seeing Coach back on the cover again. #EAathlete #MaddenDay pic.twitter.com/GbXgB2TYGC
— Budda Baker (@buddabaker32) June 1, 2022
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Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard was praising the video game developers for their Madden 23 cover.
EA did it right! 🔥Brings me back to playing as a young kid! It’s great to see Coach back on the cover. 🐐 #MaddenDay #EAathlete pic.twitter.com/DJWdBCVkOs
— Kevin Byard (@KevinByard) June 1, 2022
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The heartwarming tweets from players and the fans of the iconic figure are evidence of the love for Madden. Apart from being a head coach or a broadcaster, he was influential in making the NFL sport relevant with the changing times.
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