With the NFL offseason in full swing, we are gearing up for another new installment of the Madden video game franchise. Here is a look at five potential cover athletes for Madden 2025.
Potential Next Faces of Madden
5) Saquon Barkley
One of the biggest splashes this offseason in the NFL so far was Saquon Barkley signing with his former rival in New York, the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley is poised for a big season with the Eagles where he will play behind the best offensive line that he has seen in his career. Still just 27 years old, Barkley has the potential to be one of the NFL’s most polarizing running backs for years to come in Philadelphia, and what better way to mark the change of scenery than with a Madden cover?
4) Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson has solidified himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL since being drafted in 2020 by the Minnesota Vikings. In 60 games, Jefferson has compiled 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns en route to three Pro Bowl appearances and an Offensive Player of the Year Award. Jefferson is a flashy player who entertains fans with his athletic ability as well as his unique celebrations. With quarterbacks gracing the cover the last several years, Jefferson would make the most sense if EA Sports decides to switch it up and pick a wide receiver for the first time since Antonio Brown in 2019.
3) Joe Burrow
If Jefferson is not the cover athlete, EA could turn to his former college teammate in Joe Burrow. Since entering the league in 2020, Burrow has turned Cincinnati around from being one of the worst teams in the league to a perennial Super Bowl contender. Similar to Jefferson, Burrow has a swagger and an edge that has won over fans throughout the league. With Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson having graced the cover in recent years, Burrow could be the next man up if they stick with a quarterback.
2) Christian McCaffrey
Arguably the best all-around running back in football, Christian McCaffrey finished third in the MVP voting in 2023 and played a big part in the 49ers’ postseason run. After several disappointing seasons in Carolina due to injuries, McCaffrey has revitalized his career since landing with San Francisco in 2023. Over the past two seasons, he has posted 3,903 total yards and 34 touchdowns, adding another weapon to the 49ers arsenal. With Barry Sanders gracing the 25th-anniversary cover in 2014, EA could choose to put another running back on the cover in the second edition of Madden 25 in Christian McCaffrey.
1) Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce’s stock has never been higher around the NFL and in the entertainment industry as a whole. A no-doubt Hall of Famer, Kelce’s resume speaks for itself. He is coming off of back-to-back Super Bowl wins and is dating perhaps the biggest pop superstar in the 21st century in Taylor Swift. The Taylor Swift effect was one of several reasons for the NFL’s increase in ratings in the 2023-2024 season. It would be smart for EA Sports to capitalize off this publicity and put Kelce on the cover of the next game especially with the latest installment being billed as a make-or-break game for the legendary franchise.
EA Sports will be under the microscope from video game fanatics everywhere with Madden and NCAA Football coming out in the coming months. There will be a lot of pressure for the video game developer to put out top-tier products. Marketing for these products is very important and EA Sports will undoubtedly put their best foot forward with anticipation mounting. Look out for these five players to be potential candidates for the next cover athlete of the iconic Madden football franchise.
Main Image:Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
