49ers might very possibly have a player on the Madden cover for the following year.
Earlier this week, EA Sports announced that Christian McCaffrey, the standout running back for the San Francisco 49ers, will grace the cover of Madden 25, their popular video game.
Surprisingly, the 49ers stand a good chance of having another player on next year’s cover as well.
McCaffrey’s selection for the Madden cover makes perfect sense. His performance last season was exceptional, with over 20 touchdowns and more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage. He was
recognized as the AP’s Offensive Player of the Year, and many argue he deserved the league MVP title.
San Francisco also has several potential candidates for next year’s Madden cover. EA Sports typically rotates cover athletes, so it’s not highly likely they’d feature a 49ers player in consecutive years.
Quarterback Brock Purdy stands out as the top offensive candidate. He’s the team’s most recognizable player, and Madden tends to favor quarterbacks for the cover. However, it won’t be
straightforward. Purdy has garnered some controversy among football fans, and his chances would likely improve if he secures the 2024 MVP award — a recognition he was a finalist for last season. A Super Bowl championship with the Niners wouldn’t hurt his candidacy either.
Maybe not immediately, but if Purdy continues to progress and eventually reaches the elite tier of quarterbacks, he could potentially grace the cover of Madden someday.
On the defensive side, the top candidate would be Nick Bosa, a highly regarded edge rusher known for his dominance in the game. To be a strong contender for the cover, Bosa would likely need a standout 2024 season with around 20 sacks, demonstrating his formidable skills.
The addition of edge rusher Leonard Floyd to the team in 2024 might create opportunities for Bosa to shine even more.
There’s precedent for defensive players appearing on the Madden cover, such as icons like Ray Lewis and Troy Polamalu. While Bosa may not yet have their level of fame, a stellar 2024 season could propel him into consideration.
Regardless, it’s noteworthy that the 49ers have a player on the Madden cover for the first time this century. Some might fear the “Madden Curse,” predicting injuries for McCaffrey and the team, akin to the troubles of the 2020 season. However, recent years have seen a decline in the perceived curse, suggesting McCaffrey could have another outstanding year ahead.