Electronic Arts can go ahead and mark one potential star player off its list for cover athlete on next year’s edition of the Madden NFL franchise. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase revealed during a press conference this week that he doesn’t want to appear on the game’s cover, seemingly aware of the Madden curse.
On X, Bengals columnist Mike Petraglia shared a video clip of Chase where the star wide receiver discusses video games. While he does play Madden, Chase clearly doesn’t want to be the game’s cover athlete. When asked about the possibility, the NFL’s wide receiver leader in catches, yards, and touchdowns replied: “No, I don’t want that [knocks on wood]. No.”
Ja’Marr Chase was all fun and games talking old school video football games and Madden until the subject of a possible cover came up. “No! I don’t want that.” pic.twitter.com/jfo1P46hgD
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) December 19, 2024
Chase offered a “no comment” when directly questioned about the Madden curse. However, the Bengals wide receiver was open to appearing on the cover of a NFL Street revival game. CBS Sports recently ran through the data of Madden cover stars for this century (2000-24), finding that 58% of the players were “cursed”–meaning they dealt with an injury or decline in performance. However, the report states that only 25% in the past decade have been “cursed.”
This all comes after Madden NFL 25 star Christian McCaffrey was injured earlier this season. After appearing in only four games, the San Francisco 49ers running back is most likely out for the rest of the season, too. However, McCaffrey also has a history of injuries throughout his career, with multiple seasons where he’s missed over half of the season.
In 2020, GameSpot looked into the curse as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was preparing for the Super Bowl. Mahomes, who appeared on Madden NFL 20’s cover, ending up winning the championship, poking a big hole in the curse.
For more, check out GameSpot’s Madden NFL 25 review. In addition, Peacock will have a Madden NFL cast this weekend, December 21, for the NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans.
