5 NFL Players Who Deserved the Madden '12 Cover More Than Peyton Hillis

It's hard not to love Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis. The guy plays the game of football the way it was meant to be played...hard-nosed, tough and relentless.

That said, Hillis has only enjoyed one season of success in the NFL to date, and while he may be well on his way to a quality career, it's hard to say that he was truly deserving of his spot on the cover of EA Sports' 2012 installment of Madden NFL Football. 

Of course Hillis was granted his cover boy position through a fan vote, but maybe some of these guys would have been a better fit...

Roddy White

Roddy White has always been a productive receiver, but over the past few seasons he has become one of the prolific playmakers in the entire league.

His numbers last year (115 receptions, 1,389 yards, 10 touchdowns) were among the most impressive in the NFL, and at just 29 years of age, White could easily continue to produce at a high level for years to come.

He didn't get the votes needed to grace the Madden cover, but he may have deserved them.

Aaron Rodgers

It's hard to argue with a Super Bowl Champion.

Having posted several productive seasons under center for Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers has established himself as a top-tier quarterback and a proven winner in the NFL. Being named the Super Bowl MVP last season couldn't have hurt his Madden resume either.

He didn't get the votes this year, but something tells me it won't be long before Rodgers is posing for a Madden cover.

Andre Johnson

Andre Johnson isn't just a talented receiver, he might be the best the league has to offer.

Johnson has racked up over 9,000 receiving yards in his nine professional seasons and it's hard to argue that he isn't deserving of some recognition.

How about a Madden Cover? 

Patrick Willis

Willis is arguably the best linebacker in the NFL, but no one seems to give him the credit he deserves. Sure, being a '49er doesn't exactly make you a winner, but Willis is an absolute monster on the field.

In just four seasons he's recorded nearly 600 tackles. Tell me that isn't deserving of some recognition.

Ray Lewis made the Madden cover in 2005 and Patrick Willis could very well be following in his footsteps.

Adrian Peterson

Say what you will about Arian Foster and Chris Johnson, but Adrian Peterson has proven season after season that he is the most unstoppable running back in the game.

Minnesota's struggles last season probably didn't help his chances of landing the cover, but Peterson is a remarkable athlete and will almost certainly be honored with a spot on Madden before his football days are over.