Myth or reality? Examining the 'Madden curse' thro...
Key takeaways
- For years, the "Madden curse" has loomed large over the iconic NFL video game franchise.
- The ethos of the curse is simple: If an NFL player appears on the cover of Madden in the summer, the ensuing season is destined to come with a decrease in on-field production or a limiting injury.
- Last year's cover athlete, Saquon Barkley, offers a less-than-rousing endorsement for either side of the argument.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
For years, the "Madden curse" has loomed large over the iconic NFL video game franchise.
Legitimate superstition? Simply a myth? The ethos of the curse is simple: If an NFL player appears on the cover of Madden in the summer, the ensuing season is destined to come with a decrease in on-field production or a limiting injury. But has the alleged curse held up in recent years?
Last year's cover athlete, Saquon Barkley, offers a less-than-rousing endorsement for either side of the argument. Barkley had a solid season, but it was a step back from his previous campaign, and the Philadelphia Eagles underperformed as a team. This year's cover athlete, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, will look to change the tide.