Cleveland Browns: Peyton Hillis the Latest Victim of Madden Curse

There has been plenty of speculation surrounding Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis and his availability at the trade deadline. 

Will teams be inquiring about the Madden cover man?

Probably. 

Will he be dealt before today's 4 p.m. deadline?

Probably not. 

For me, Hillis has already succumbed to the dreaded Madden Curse. 

It's an NFL urban legend that has always interested me because of how it's held true over the years.

Larry Fitzgerald (who appeared on the cover with Troy Polamalu on the Madden '10 cover) is the only player to not suffer a significant injury or experience a drop of production after being picked as a cover man since they started featuring prominent players in '99. 

Hillis was a total beast last season, amassing nearly 1,200 yards at a 4.4 per-yard average while scoring a total of 12 touchdowns for Cleveland. 

He also caught 61 passes for 477 yards.

Not bad for a former fullback.

As far as the 2011 season goes, where do you start?

He has been openly frustrated with his current contract situation and controversially sat out a game due to strep throat. 

Some speculated he and his agent were trying to send a message to Cleveland's front office by not playing the game. 

Hillis returned in a Week 4 loss to the Titans in which he rushed for only 46 yards on 10 carries.

Last week against the Raiders, he carried the ball six times for 14 yards before injuring his hamstring in the first half. 

He has yet to gain more than 100 yards in a game this season.

His status is uncertain for Week 7, but it's likely that Montario Hardesty will take over his spot for the time being. 

Maybe I'm a little too superstitious when it comes to sports (can never step on the foul line during summer softball season, got to wear the same lucky shirt each Sunday when watching games, etc.) but whether he's traded or not, Hillis is already the latest victim of the mysterious Madden Curse.