Andrew Weber-USA Today Sports
The 2013 25th anniversary of the Madden video game pitted old school vs. new school. In the final round of fan voting, running back Adrian Peterson was beaten by great running back Barry Sanders. The Detroit Lions great will grace the cover only a year after Calvin Johnson was the athlete featured.
Prior to the finals matchup, Peterson beat Arian Foster, while Sanders beat legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice. The game will be released on August 27th, 2013. The newest Madden installment will take the name “Madden NFL 25” and choose to vacate the annual tradition of including the year.
Back in 2000, Sanders was on the cover of the game, featured in the background of John Madden. Sanders was the second athlete to be on the cover with Madden. Back in 1999, Garrison Hearst began the “Madden Curse” and broke his ankle during the season he was on the cover. Sanders appeared on the cover a short time before announcing his early retirement.
Sanders ended his NFL career with 153 games played, all as a Detroit Lion. Sanders rushed for 15,269 yards and 99 touchdowns in his career. Sanders also finished his career with an average of 5.0 yards per carry. Sanders ranks third all time in rushing yards behind Emmitt Smith (18,355) and Walter Payton (16,726).
Last year, Calvin Johnson graced the cover of Madden and finally put an end to the “Madden Curse”. Some will say that technically Johnson was part of the curse, after playing hurt the end of the season. However breaking the single season receiving yards record doesn’t exactly scream “I was cursed” now does it?
Chris Katje is the featured Detroit Lions writer for Rant Sports. Follow Chris on Twitter or Google Plus.
