EA Curses Drew Brees with Cover of Madden 11

The John Madden football franchise has defined what is to be expected from a sports game since 1989. Never has a sports game had such a storied history and dedicated fanbase. While many would compare landing the touted position of cover athlete on the same plain with getting your face enshrined on a box of Wheaties, other have shied away from what has been come to be know as the “Madden Curse.”

Lets take a trip down memory lane and look at some of the prime examples of Madden cover fame turning into nothing more than career altering shame.

Madden 2004: Michael Vick – Broke his leg in a pre-season game, sidelining him for the first twelve games of the season.
Madden 2006: Donovan McNabb – Diagnosed with hernia after first game of season, later suffered season ending ACL tear.
Madden 2007: Shaun Alexander – After winning the MVP in the season prior, suffers a foot injury forcing him to miss six games. His career never recovered.
Madden 2008: Vince Young – Was replaced as starter in the first game of the season 2008 by Kerry Collins, it took him two years to regain the starting job.
Madden 10: Troy Polamalu -Missed four of the first five games of the season due to an MCL sprain, suffered a second injury later on the season that plagued him well into the offseason.

With a track record like that, it makes me wonder if I should feel happy for New Orleans standout quarterback Drew Brees, or instead be sorry for him. Today he was named the cover athlete for Madden 11, after fans selected him from a talented panel of NFL All-Pros including Reggie Wayne and Jared Allen.

Here is what Mr Brees had to say about receiving this momentous honor:

“The Madden NFL franchise holds a special place in popular culture and the cover is a coveted position for players all over the league,” said New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. “I’m honored to be the first cover athlete chosen by Madden NFL fans and it’s a great way to cap off an amazing year for the Saints and the city of New Orleans.” — Via EA PressWire

If I were a New Orleans fan right about now, I would be flooding into the French Quarter and looking for the best voodoo/witchdoctor I could find. That boy is going to need all the help he can get to keep his arm out of a sling. Congratulations to him and we all wish him the best of luck this season, lord knows he is going to need it.