Madden 13: 10 NFL Stars Who Deserve to Grace the Cursed Cover

Madden is the only game in America that realistically represents the country’s favorite sport: NFL football. Last year the cover was decided by a fan vote, with Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis winning in the end.

Madden 13 is already in the works, and it’s time to start considering who should be on the cover. Winning the cover is a national event now, as well as a curse. Just ask Hillis how his season is going.

With that in mind, here are 10 stars from around the league that should be considered.

Criteria

In picking this list many things were taken into consideration.

For one, the players must be visible stars that stand out on their respective teams. Secondly, stats and popularity matter. Certain players could be having standout seasons, but if they aren’t visible enough to the public, it wouldn’t make sense for them to be on the cover (hence no offensive linemen made the list).

Finally, players who have been suspended or in trouble with the law weren't considered.

Let’s begin.

Honorable Mentions

LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles

“Shady” is having an absolute monster season for the “dream team” in Philadelphia. The lone standout on and under-performing team, McCoy has 1,172 yards rushing with a 4.8 average. He has rushed for 14 touchdowns and contributed in the passing game with three touchdowns.

Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

Gore is having an amazing year himself on a team that has many standout players. Patrick Willis and Vernon Davis could have easily taken Gore’s spot on the list. Gore has 1,054 yards on the ground for a 4.5 average, and has scored six times.

A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals

Green came into the league as the 4th overall pick in this year’s draft, and has proven to be a top 15 player at his position. He is helping lead a young team to an over-achieving season record, and is unstoppable on the real and virtual field. Green has 55 receptions for 891 yards and seven touchdowns.

Wes Welker, New England Patriots

Welker is teaming with quarterback Tom Brady to lead the Pats to what should be a lengthy post-season run. Welker has 100 receptions for 1,339 yards and nine touchdowns.

10: Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings

Allen is one of the most recognizable players in the league. It also helps that he is on pace to break the single season sack record, which currently stand at 22.5.

Allen has recorded 55 tackles, 17.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and one interception. He has also recorded a safety. Allen is the lone bright spot on an awful Minnesota team, but without Allen the team would probably be even worse.

9: Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers

Wallace is an emerging star on what is arguably the most popular team in the league outside of Green Bay. Wallace is the main target on a team that is currently in the race for the #1 seed in the AFC. It’s also a team that appeared in the Super Bowl last year.

Wallace has 62 receptions for 1,034 yards and eight touchdowns. His deep play ability has become a nightmare for opposing defenses, as he simply runs right past defensive backs.

Wallace is the best candidate from the Steelers because it is doubtful the NFL wants James Harrison or Ben Roethlisberger representing their most popular product.

8: Eli Manning, New York Giants

Manning has never been able to escape the shadow of his older brother, even in a season when his brother isn’t even playing. Despite this, his affiliation with Peyton and his elite quarterback skills make him one of the most recognizable players in the league.

Manning is the unquestioned leader of a Super Bowl-caliber team in one of the largest markets in America. Manning has thrown for 4,105 yards and 25 touchdowns. His QB rating is currently a pristine 95.5.

7: Darrelle Revis, New York Jets

Revis is undoubtedly the best defensive back in all of football. Revis is the main component of a defense that wins games for the Jets.  Revis has surrendered one touchdown all season on 14 passes-defended. He is a contributor all over the field, notching 46 tackles.

The impressive thing about Revis is no one throws to him. Through 14 games, Revis has been thrown at 14 times. Opposing quarterbacks know to not even try to throw his way, even if he is matched up with the best receiver on the field.

6: Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Foster is arguably the best running back in the NFL. Foster is one of the better stories this year on an emerging team. The Texans have finally won the AFC South, and will make a Super Bowl run on the legs of Foster.

Foster has 957 rushing yards on a 4.0 average. He has scored eight touchdowns while facing defenses focused on only stopping him. Foster is carrying the team through rough times while the healthiest quarterback on the team is third-stringer T.J. Yates.

5: Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions

Johnson is the best receiver in the NFL. Despite consistently facing double and triple coverage, Johnson has hauled in 72 passes for 1,121 yards and 12 touchdowns. His 15.6 yards per catch average is a huge number as well.

Johnson is on a very talented Detroit squad that hopes to make a deep playoff run. The lack of a running game makes Johnson the best option for Detroit offensively. The Lions’ success depends on Johnson’s ability to make the big play.

4: Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers

Matthews is a dominant defensive force on the most popular team in the league. Matthews’ relentless play-style, personality and appearance make him one of the most recognizable players in the league. He is the undisputed leader of a defense that is coming off of a Super Bowl victory, and is currently on course to go 19-0.

To date, he has 38 tackles to go along with six sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. One interception was returned for a touchdown.

3: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Newton was the first overall pick in last year’s draft. He is currently having an amazing rookie season on a horrible team. Newton has thrown for 3,573 yards and 15 touchdowns. His quarterback rating of 81.1 is surprisingly good for a rookie.

Newton is the face of a Panthers franchise trying to turn itself around. He is currently the favorite for the Rookie of the Year Award, and is already one of the most visible players in the league. His story is a great one, and would be an excellent choice for the cover.

2: Aaron Rodgers , Green Bay Packers

Rodgers is the best quarterback in the league, and it’s not close. To be blunt, Rodgers is playing out of his mind this season. He has amassed 4,125 yards through the air to go along with his unrealistic 39 touchdowns. Unrealistic? That would also be his quarter back rating of 123.3 for the season. Not to mention he has only thrown 6 interceptions.

It also goes without saying that Rodgers is the face of the NFL right now. He was the Super Bowl MVP last year, and is currently leading the Pack to a potential 19-0 season. He is in a plethora of advertisements right now, and would be an amazing choice for the Madden 13 cover.

Unfortunately for Rodgers, a new challenger has appeared…

1: Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos

“Tebomania” is sweeping the nation. Tebow and his ridiculous story is making non-NFL fans tune in to watch him play. He is the ultimate under-dog. He was told he would never succeed at the collegiate level, but won two National Championships and a Heisman trophy.

It was also prophesied that Tebow couldn’t succeed at the professional level. Now that Tebow is the starter in Denver, the Broncos have went 6-1 while winning several games in dramatic comeback fashion.

Tebow has thrown for 11 touchdowns and 1,290 yards. He has also rushed for 517 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.

Tebow is also responsible for the world-wide phenomena know as “Tebowing.” He is also becoming infamous for “Tebow Time,” which takes place late in a game and results in any opposition to Tebow becoming obsolete.