Patrick Mahomes has a great shot at the cover of Madden NFL 20
By Jalon Dodson
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has one of the best overall chances of becoming the star of Madden NFL 20’s cover art.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had one of the greatest seasons for a player at his position in football last season, a miracle season anchored by a 2018 NFL MVP trophy. Given it’s his first year as a starting quarterback, it’s safe to say Mahomes should only get better.
Traditionally, the cover art for the Madden video game series features a player who stood out above the rest the previous year. This tradition officially began with Madden NFL 2001, when former Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George was featured on the cover. This also where the infamous “Madden Curse” started.
Almost every year since its inception, the athlete on the cover art for the respective Madden game has experienced a decline in performance the following year, hence the curse. George had career-low numbers in rushing yards and touchdowns, outside of his final year as a Dallas Cowboy. He also had career highs in fumbles and fumbles lost in the 2001 season, marking the beginning of the so-called curse.
In the 2018 season, Mahomes had a season for the ages. Although he and the Chiefs fell short in the AFC Championship, Mahomes’ 50 touchdowns and over 5,000 passing yards were not overlooked. Mahomes became the first Chief in the club’s long history to win the award. Since the conclusion of the 2018 season, Mahomes has visited cities all around the country and signed major endorsement deals that made history—including the first NFL player to sign with Oakley.
Among the top candidates for Madden 20‘s cover art is Chicago Bears defensive end Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, and New York Giants running back Saquan Barkley. All three of the athletes were among the best at their position, and have a very good chance at making Madden’s cover art. Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield also has his name thrown into the conversation after an impressive rookie season. Mahomes likely has the best chance, however.
All the endorsement deals and traveling, coupled with his momentous 2018 season stat sheet, have propelled him into the center ring. Mahomes has the talent (and the talent around him) to become a generational talent, a torchbearer after Tom Brady who carries the league’s momentum and popularity forward for the next decade or more.
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While the “Madden Curse” might be a real concern for some superstitious fans, it would be a huge honor for the young quarterback who is heading into his third season. Soon enough, Mahomes will be the highest-paid player in the game and he’s hoping to add a Super Bowl to his burgeoning resume as well in 2019. The Madden cover makes more sense for Mahomes than it does for any other player, especially given how bright his future seems at this point.