Peyton Hillis: Madden Curse Strikes Again, Could Cost Star RB Millions

Peyton Hillis has become the latest player to have his season assassinated after appearing on the Madden video game cover.

I never believed in the Madden curse (or any other sort of witchcraft, voodoo, etc.) but the results are tough to argue with.

After rushing for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns last year, the blue-collar running back was selected by fans to appear on the cover of Madden 12.

Then, his season went to hell.

This 2011-12 campaign has been a nightmare for Hillis, who's had to deal with intense contract negotiations, an odd strep throat incident and a strained left hamstring.

Hillis has been ruled inactive for today's game against the 49ers, which will be his third missed game of the season. The Browns are 2-0 without him this season, leading many to believe that he isn't as indispensable as once thought.

After rushing for just 211 yards and two touchdowns through four games, it's beginning to look like his excellent 2010 season was a one-year fluke.

The Browns seem to be thinking that way as well, as negotiations to extend Hillis' contract have come to a stalemate.

Hillis sat out with strep throat in Week 3, at the advice of his agent. This appeared to be a horribly disguised contract ploy by his camp and it completely backfired.

Every time the Browns win without Hillis in uniform, he loses a few million dollars.

Now, the running back is saying he's shifting his focus to football and only football.

It's a good idea, because if he doesn't prove his value soon, there may be no contract extension at all.