Candidates to land on cover of Madden NFL 23

Who will be the next athlete to grace the cover of Madden, joining elite company and worrying about a hypothetical curse all season long?

Luckily, the Madden Curse isn’t as prevalent as it was, and the NFL’s best one again strive to be considered for the honor of being name the cover athlete of the next iteration in the football video game saga. With plenty of fantastic options around, Bucky Brooks of NFL.com listed his top candidates to land the gig.

Candidates to land on cover of Madden 23, via Bucky Brooks:

Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While Brady has been on the cover of Madden on multiple occasions, Brooks believes the possibility of a farewell cover could lead to another honor for the former Michigan quarterback.

“There’s plenty of speculation that 2022 could be the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s last season, given that he briefly retired this offseason and already has a $375 million announcing gig lined up for his post-playing career,” stated Brooks. “With that being the case, the Madden cover could commemorate the experience like a Farewell Tour poster.”

Trevon Diggs, CB, Dallas Cowboys

A bevy of interceptions put Diggs on the map in 2021, and his star-potential could land him on the Madden cover, according to Brooks.

“As the NFL’s reigning interceptions leader with 11 picks — the highest single-season total in 40 years — Diggs has spectacular ballhawking skills. Admittedly, this overshadows the mental lapses and high-risk gambles that, at times, make him a liability on the island,” writes Brooks. “That said, the third-year pro’s turnover prowess is his superpower. And yes, Cowboys fans, you could also make an argument for Micah Parsons here.”

Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills

The anointed next-great NFL quarterback proved his 2020 season was no fluke. Now, Madden could make things official for Allen — he’s arrived.

“Allen has joined the ranks of the elite at the game’s most important position; in fact, a five-star season could put him in play to wear the crown as the NFL’s new QB1,” theorized Brooks. “Considering how the football world adores blue-chip quarterbacks, Allen’s emergence as a dual-threat superstar could make him the perfect cover selection.”

T.J. Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Evidently, Brooks believes the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year could bring the cover back to the defensive side of the football.

“In five seasons, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year has amassed 72 sacks, 80 tackles for loss, 22 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and four interceptions,” explained Brooks. “With few defenders capable of rivaling his game-wrecking ability off the edge, Watt deserves cover consideration as the premier playmaker at his position.”

Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams

After a historic season, Kupp captured a Super Bowl ring. Still, Brooks believes the accolades may not end there, as a Madden cover could be in his future due to his efforts.

“The sticky-fingered pass catcher is currently the model of consistency and excellence at the position,” started Brooks. “Factoring in the postseason, the Rams’ first-team All-Pro WR tallied 90-plus receiving yards in 19 of 21 games, including an NFL-record streak of 13 in a row. It’s hard to argue anyone enjoyed a better 2021 campaign than this guy.”