Madden Curse through the years.

Here’s a compilation of players appearing on the cover of Madden. Since 2001 each one has either been injured or seen an immediate decline from that season forward. Is it because of the Madden curse or just coincidence?

Madden 2001 – Eddie George – Decline
In the 2000 season, Eddie George had his best season rushing. The next season (2001) he had his worst rushing year in the NFL not breaking the 1000 yard mark, excluding his last season.

Madden 2002 – Dante Culpepper – Injury
Culpepper only plays 11 games as he gets injured late in the season missing that final five games.

Madden 2003 – Marshall Faulk – Decline
Runs for a thousand yard season in the first 7 of his 8 seasons. Starting in 2002, he never breaks the 1000 yard barrier.

Madden 2004 – Michael Vick – Injury
Breaks his leg in a preseason game and misses the first 11 games of the 2003 season.

Madden 2005 – Ray Lewis – Decline
Has the last of his 100 tackle season in 2004. Suffers mild injuries during the season but plays 14 games. Lewis has never returned to the form of the 2003 season after appearing on the cover.

Madden 2006 – Donovan McNabb – Injury
McNabb and the Eagles were coming off a Super Bowl loss. McNabb only plays 9 games that year, and finishes the season on the injured reserve. He also has Terrell Owens blaming him from the SB loss.

Madden 07 – Shaun Alexander – Injury
Another player coming off a Super Bowl loss gets the cover. He fractures his toe in week 3.

Madden 08 – Vince Young – None
After LaDianian Tomlinson passed on being the cover boy, Young takes his place. Plays in every game of the season for the Titans, even taking them to the playoffs.

Madden 09 – Brett Farve – TBD
Arguably one of the best QBs in the history of the NFL, is not wanted back by his old team. Traded to the Jets. Stay tuned…