Madden NFL 25 is the latest iteration of the most popular NFL video game. It will feature all 32 teams and potentially a couple of new features.
Madden NFL 25 will be available worldwide on Aug. 16. However, fans who crave early access to the game and purchase a special edition or the MVP Bundle for EA Sports College Football 25 can access the game on Aug. 13.
Top 5 standout athletes who could grace Madden NFL 25 cover
With the Madden NFL 25 release on the horizon, there's a lot of speculation about who the cover star will be. Here's a list of five potential cover stars for the blockbuster release:
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
1. C.J. Stroud, Quarterback, Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud is the reigning offensive rookie of the year and the franchise quarterback for one of the league's most promising teams. Stroud earned MVP shoutouts in Year 1 and will only improve with time.
C. J. Stroud, as the Madden 25 cover star, will make a lot of sense. He has a decent social media following, is excellent at football, and is a driving force in the new generation.
2. Christian McCaffrey, Running back San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey is the best running back in the NFL, and it's not even close. The San Francisco 49ers superstar is viewed by many as the best player in the NFC, and he could make a solid Madden cover star.
3. Justin Jefferson, Wide receiver, Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson is one of the most marketable players in the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings pass catcher has a trademark dance, is a walking highlight reel, and is loved by gamers worldwide.
4. Aaron Donald, Retired
Aaron Donald announced his retirement during the offseason. The Los Angeles Rams legend achieved everything a defensive player could in the NFL and retired during his prime.
Donald would be a deserving Madden NFL 25 cover star. He's a legend, a former Super Bowl winner, and was the gold standard for defensive players for a decade.
5. Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is the reigning league MVP. Hence, it's only natural that he's in the running for the Madden cover. Few NFL players strike fear in defensive coordinators' hearts as Jackson does.
Honorable Mentions: The Kelce Brothers
Jason and Travis Kelce are the most famous brothers in NFL lore. It won’t hurt to see the New Heights crew on the Madden 25 cover.
EA Madden cover athletes from previous franchises
Here's a list of the Madden cover athletes since 2000:
- 2000: John Madden
- 2001: Eddie George
- 2002: Daunte Culpepper
- 2003: Marshall Faulk
- 2004: Michael Vick
- 2005: Ray Lewis
- 2006: Donovan McNabb
- 2007: Shaun Alexander
- 2008: Vince Young
- 2009: Brett Favre
- 2010: Troy Polamalu and Larry Fitzgerald
- 2011: Drew Brees
- 2012: Peyton Hillis
- 2013: Calvin Johnson
- 2014: Barry Sanders
- 2015: Richard Sherman
- 2016: Odell Beckham Jr.
- 2017: Rob Gronkowski
- 2018: Tom Brady
- 2019: Antonio Brown
- 2020: Patrick Mahomes
- 2021: Lamar Jackson
- 2022: Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady
- 2023: John Madden
- 2024: Josh Allen
Vikings Nation! Check out the latest Minnesota Vikings Schedule and dive into the Vikings Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.