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

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.

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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