Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is getting the recognition he deserves as the next cover athlete for the “Madden NFL 24” video game.
The 2023 version marks a return to using NFL players after Electronic Arts went with the Hall of Fame coach, broadcaster, and game namesake John Madden to grace the game’s cover last year, the first game since his Dec. 2021 passing.
Madden was on the cover for the first 10 console game covers from 1990-99. Players trickled into the background and finally took over in 2000 with Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George for the “Madden NFL 2001” cover.
Here is a look at the breakdown of Madden cover athletes by position. To simplify, the list will include athletes who are in the foreground (sorry, Cary Brabham and Gordon Laro) and on a console.
Quarterback — 12
2002 — Daunte Culpepper
2004 — Michael Vick
2006 — Donovan McNabb
2008 — Vince Young
2009 — Brett Favre
2011 — Drew Brees
2018 — Tom Brady
2020 — Patrick Mahomes
2021 — Lamar Jackson
2022 — Tom Brady, Patrick Mahome
2024 — Josh Allen
Running back — 6
2001 — Eddie George
2003 — Marshall Faulk
2007 — Shaun Alexander
2012 — Peyton Hillis
2014 (Madden 25) — Barry Sanders, Adrian Peterson
Receiver — 5
2010 — Larry Fitzgerald
2013 — Calvin Johnson
2016 — Odell Beckham
2019 — Antonio Brown, Terrell Owens
Tight end — 1
2017 — Rob Gronkowski
Center — 1
Defensive end — 1
Linebacker — 1
2005 — Ray Lewis
Cornerback — 1
2015 — Richard Sherman
Safety — 1
2010 — Troy Polamalu
