Cursed Candidates: Top Ten Worst Cover Contestants on Madden NFL 2012's Bracket

It is fairly well-known by now that EA Sports has recently released an innovative process of selecting its cover boy for Madden NFL 2012.

Each NFL team will be represented on a bracket similar to that of March Madness with players seeded from one to 16 on each side.

A lot of the players that have been chosen as contestants are reasonable, such as Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers and Ndamukong Suh, the NFL's Rookie of the Year.

However, there are a few that shouldn't even be in the discussion and aren't likely to make it past the first round of competition.

10. Larry Fitzgerald

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 2: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals catches a touchdown against the San Francisco 49er during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on January 2, 2011 in San Francisco, California.(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

While Larry Fitzgerald is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, he plays on one of the worst teams.

I think EA had no other options to choose from a pitiful Arizona Cardinals team.

Fitzgerald wouldn't be a horrible selection, but he was already on the Madden cover back in 2010.

9. Michael Vick

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Trotma

Vick may have been an MVP candidate in 2010 and one of the most exciting players to watch, but after leading the Eagles to the playoffs he literally threw away their chances.

Vick had also previously graced the cover during his days in Atlanta, and his dog-fighting filled past wouldn't good for marketing.

Personally, I think DeSean Jackson would have been a better representative from Philly.

8. Hakeem Nicks

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Hakeem Nicks #88 of the New York Giants is congratulated by Kevin Boss #89 after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Get

Nicks has the potential to be a top wide-out in the league, especially after a breakout season, his first with over 1,000 yards and 10 TDs.

He's a good rep for the G-men, but he's not famous enough for the Madden cover just yet.

7. Danny Woodhead

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Danny Woodhead #39 of the New England Patriots runs against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. New England won 34-3. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The Patriots 5'8'' fan favorite simply isn't big enough for the Madden cover.

There are much better backs that have yet to be awarded a cover appearance that are competing such as Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew.

You may ask why Woodhead was picked over NFL MVP Tom Brady to represent the Pats.

Brady has a history of declining when asked to be on the cover. Otherwise, he probably would dominate the bracket.

6. Carlos Dunlap

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive lineman Carlos Dunlap of Florida runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

The Bengals were a mess this past season, and rookie DE Carlos Dunlap may have been the only sign of life.

Dunlap emerged in the second half of the season and recorded 9.5 sacks, but he won't get anywhere near the Madden cover.

But who else was there to choose from a 4-12 Cincinnati team?

5. Tim Tebow

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos gets back on his feet after being knocked down against the San Diego Chargers at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Image

Tim Tebow may be one of the most famous names in football because of his amazing collegiate career, but he'd be a silly sight on the cover of Madden NFL 2012.

It will take more than an average rookie season to prove he can be successful at the next level. Sadly, he probably is the best possible contestant from Denver.

Tebow was on the cover of NCAA Football '11, but he won't grace the front of EA's pro football game in 2012.

4. Steve Johnson

Karl Walter/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Steve Johnson #13 of the Buffalo Bills drops a pass in the end zone during overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Image

Nobody had even heard of Steve Johnson before last season, and despite his stellar season, he'll only be remembered for one infamous drop.

Johnson let an easy game-winning catch slip through his hands, later claiming it was the result of a curse from God.

If it makes you feel any better Stevie, you certainly won't have to deal with the Madden curse next season.

3. The 12th Man

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SEATTLE - DECEMBER 23: Fans of the Seattle Seahawks hold up the 12th man signs during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Qwest Field on December 23, 2007 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Ravens 27-6. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty I

While having the "12th Man" on the cover is a creative thought, it probably is only a result of not knowing who to pick from an inconsistent Seahawks team.

However, the 12th Man may have contributed the most to Seattle's surprising upset of the Saints in the playoffs last season.

It may be clever, but a real player must be on the cover.

2. Jake Long

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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Ricky Williams #34 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates with Jake Long #77 after Williams scored a touchdown during their game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 28, 2010 in Oakland, Californ

It may be unfair, but the facts are simple. Nobody gives offensive lineman credit or publicity.

There's no doubt they deserve respect, but offensive lineman are always overlooked and cast to the wayside.

Even though Jake Long is one of the best at what he does, they might as well have left his spot empty.

An o-lineman will never be on a Madden cover.

1. Jordan Gross

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 24: Jordan Gross #69 of the Carolina Panthers against the San Francisco 49ers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

The last slide pretty much sums this contestant up as well.

Jordan Gross could be the best OL in the world, but his position hangs his chances out to dry.

Only Jake Delhomme in a Panthers jersey could've been a poorer selection. At least give Steve Smith some publicity for dealing with such a bad team for the last few years.

After being the worst team in the NFL in 2010, a Panther certainly won't make the cover.