Complete list of Madden NFL Cover Athletes (2001–2025)

Mahaksh has been a part of Khel Now since 2024. He covers gaming-related news and updates.

Published at :April 15, 2025 at 4:47 PM

Modified at :July 25, 2025 at 6:48 PM

(Courtesy : EA Sports)

Who should be next?

Fans are pretty excited about Madden NFL 26, which is gearing up for its release in August 2026. Speculation about Madden NFL Cover has already started for the game.

This tradition for NFL athletes on being on the cover began in 2001. Since then, this is considered to be one of the prestigious honors.

From Eddie George to Christian McCaffrey, let’s take a look at every NFL cover athlete from 2001 to 2025.

The 2026 Madden cover should be…👀 pic.twitter.com/grfEFPj9zC
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 10, 2025

Madden NFL Cover Athletes: 2001 to 2025

The Madden game series is named after the legendary coach John Madden, featuring Madden himself on the cover from 1988 to 2000.

From 2001, the game shifted its focus for the cover towards NFL stars. Since then, it has become a long tradition to feature NFL stars every year. Here’s the full list of cover athletes:

2001: Eddie George, Tennessee Titans
2002: Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota Vikings
2003: Marshall Faulk, St. Louis Rams
2004: Michael Vick, Atlanta Falcons
2005: Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens
2006: Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles
2007: Shaun Alexander, Seattle Seahawks
2008: Vince Young, Tennessee Titans
2009: Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers (later joined the Jets)
2010: Troy Polamalu & Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh Steelers & Arizona Cardinals
2011: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
2012: Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns
2013: Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
2014 (Madden NFL 25): Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions
2015: Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks
2016: Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants
2017: Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
2018: Tom Brady, New England Patriots
2019: Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
2020: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
2021: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
2022: Tom Brady & Patrick Mahomes, Tampa Bay Buccaneers & Kansas City Chiefs
2023: John Madden, N/A
2024: Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
2025: Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

Also Read: Jude Bellingham to be cover star of EA FC 26: Rumors

Now, with Madden NFL 26 on the horizon, the debate and speculation have started for the next cover athlete. Here are some leading candidates:

CJ Stroud (Houston Texans): Following a breakout 2024 season, the young quarterback might inject new vigor.
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals: Chase’s star power is evident, as he recently became the highest-paid non-quarterback.
Nick Bosa (San Francisco 49ers): A defensive star, like Lewis and Sherman, may snap the offensive streak.

Who do you think should be the next Madden NFL Cover Athlete? Do share your thoughts and views with us in the comment section.

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Mahaksh Chouhan

Mahaksh Chauhan is a passionate gaming journalist who loves for old-school RPGs and turn-based games. With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of game mechanics, Mahaksh brings an unique perspective to the world of gaming. Inspired by classics like Persona, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Skyrim, Mahaksh is dedicated in sharing the magic of games with readers. When not writing or gaming, Mahaksh can be found cheering on WWE superstars or watching his favourite Anime.