Earlier this year, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/49ers-christian-mccaffrey-admits-he-never-believed-in-the-madden-nfl-curse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christian McCaffrey said he didn’t believe in the Madden Curse</a>. However, the running back has not played this season due to injuries… did he underestimate the power of this curse?



It has been a long time since the video game <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/madden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madden</a> became a part of football fans’ lives. EA Sports created a realistic game based on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a>, using the real names of teams, players, and all the intricate details of the sport.



However, there has been a persistent problem with the game since its inception. Many players who have appeared on the cover have suffered either injuries or poor performances that year, leading people to believe in a curse surrounding it.



<h2>Christian McCaffrey, the most recent victim of the Madden Curse</h2>



Since 2000, Madden NFL has featured a star player on its cover. Eddie George, the Tennessee Titans’ running back, was the first, with the curse seemingly affecting his performances.


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While George rushed for over 1,500 yards in his cover season, he also had a career-high number of fumbles and never averaged more than 3.4 yards per carry for the rest of his career—marking the start of the curse.



Vikings’ Daunte Culpepper, Rams’ Marshall Faulk, and Falcons’ Michael Vick were the next three cover athletes. All of them suffered injuries during their respective seasons, with Vick also going to prison four years later.



According to an analysis by CBS Sports, 14 of the 24 cover athletes from 2000 to 2024 have been cursed (58%). However, only 3.5 out of the last 10 cover athletes have been affected, suggesting that while the curse may still exist, it is losing its grip.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241002_BUS_243514_madden25-1024x576_37e1c578.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-243642" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/madden25-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/madden25-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/madden25-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/madden25-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/madden25-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Christian McCaffrey was the cover athlete of Madden NFL 25</figcaption></figure>



Unfortunately, the percentage increased this year with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/christian-mccaffrey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christian McCaffrey</a>. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco 49ers</a> running back is dealing with a calf injury and Achilles tendinitis in both legs, preventing him from playing so far. It seems like his 2024 season could be entirely over.



<h2>Will Christian McCaffrey play this year?</h2>



The future is uncertain for Christian McCaffrey. The running back suffered a calf injury during the offseason, but it was recently revealed that he is also dealing with Achilles tendinitis in both legs.


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According to NFL Media, the 49ers expect McCaffrey to play this year, but his return will depend on his recovery. Achilles tendinitis could lead to a tendon rupture, which would certainly end his participation this season.


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Christian McCaffrey, another NFL star victim of the Madden Curse

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Christian McCaffrey and NFL stars who have fallen to the Madden Curse - Bolavip US

Christian McCaffrey and the NFL players who’ve fallen to the Madden Curse

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Has <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/christian-mccaffrey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christian McCaffrey</a> fallen victim to a curse? The star running back of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco 49ers</a> has been chosen as the cover athlete for EA Sports’ “<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/madden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madden</a> 25“, yet he admits he doesn’t believe in any superstitions surrounding it.



Christian McCaffrey’s arrival at the 49ers marked a huge change for the NFC West team. The club sought a top-tier running back, while the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> were willing to part ways with their former 8th overall pick.



McCaffrey has played two season with San Francisco. His 2023 campaign was remarkable, registering 1,459 wushing yards, 564 receiving yards, and 21 combined touchdowns.



<h2>Christian McCaffrey says the ‘Madden NFL’ curse is just a myth</h2>



Being chosen as the cover athlete of a video game is typically considered an honor for anyone. However, in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a>, it’s a different story, as there’s a supposed curse that has plagued several players throughout history.


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Each year, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ea-sports" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EA Sports</a> selects the top football player to grace the cover of their flagship video game “Madden.” Christian McCaffrey has been chosen for the 2025 edition, causing a stir among the 49ers.



Football fans strongly believe in a curse surrounding this video game, especially with its cover athletes. Several players who have appeared on the cover have suffered season-ending injuries or big failures the same year, but McCaffrey doesn’t buy into it.



“When I got the call, I wasn’t thinking about any curse,” McCaffrey said. “I was just excited. I think that stuff is kind of a myth. Whatever happens, happens. I’m excited to be on the cover.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240612_BUS_132392_Christian-McCaffrey-San-Francisco-49ers-NFL-2022-1024x576_75fb74b9.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Christian McCaffrey - San Francisco 49ers - NFL 2022" class="wp-image-75447" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Christian-McCaffrey-San-Francisco-49ers-NFL-2022-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Christian-McCaffrey-San-Francisco-49ers-NFL-2022-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Christian-McCaffrey-San-Francisco-49ers-NFL-2022-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Christian-McCaffrey-San-Francisco-49ers-NFL-2022-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Christian-McCaffrey-San-Francisco-49ers-NFL-2022.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers – NFL 2022</figcaption></figure>



“I’m not superstitious at all about it. I was so excited, man. This was such an honor. When I first got the call, I was in shock. It’s just something that I never thought would happen to me. I just never thought someone would call and tell me I’m on the cover of Madden.”



<h2>Is the ‘Madden NFL’ cover curse real?</h2>



Despite Christian McCaffrey’s disbelief in the ‘Madden NFL’ cover curse, there’s an undeniable trend. Many players have faced serious injuries or setbacks after gracing the cover, sparking debates about the validity of this superstition.


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Since 2000, at least 14 out of 24 athletes who appeared on the Madden NFL cover have experienced setbacks. However, the curse has seemingly weakened in recent years, with players like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrick Mahomes</a>, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tom-brady" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Brady</a>, or <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lamar-jackson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamar Jackson</a> succeeding despite it.


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Christian McCaffrey boldly calls out believers of the 'Madden NFL' curse

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49ers' Christian McCaffrey has never believed in the 'Madden' curse - Bolavip US

49ers' Christian McCaffrey admits he never believed in the 'Madden NFL' curse

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tyreek-hill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyreek Hill</a> is regarded as the best player the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-dolphins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Dolphins</a> have in their roster. Now, the wide receiver has achieved an amazing record that not even Dan Marino, legendary quarterback of the team, could get.



Last year, the Dolphins decided to trade for one of the best receivers in the entire league. Miami agreed to terms with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kansas City Chiefs</a> to acquire Tyreek Hill, and the wideout has definitely lived up to the expectations so far.


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The seven-time Pro Bowler immediately became <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tua-tagovailoa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tua Tagovailoa’s</a> best partner on the field. Hill wants to become a true legend for the Dolphins, and he’s poised to help his team achieve success this same year.



<h2>Tyreek Hill breaks incredible record not even Dan Marino could achieve</h2>



A few days ago, Tyreek Hill talked about the ratings of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/madden-24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madden 24</a>. The wide receiver said that he deserved to join the 99 overall club, and EA Sports pleased him today.



The video game company announced that Tyreek Hill will have a 99 rating in Madden 24. The wide receiver listed him with a 98 overall, but EA Sports decided to upgrade him in-game and boost his stats.



With this move, Hill becomes the first Dolphins player to ever be in the 99 overall club. Surprisingly, Dan Marino, legendary quarterback of the team, never had that rating when he played.


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<h2>Madden 24: Which players have a 99 overall rating?</h2>



Alongside Hill, Justin Jefferson, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrick Mahomes</a>, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/travis-kelce" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Travis Kelce</a> and Zack Martin are part of the 99 overall club.

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Tyreek Hill achieves amazing record; not even Dan Marino could get it - Bolavip US

Tyreek Hill achieves amazing record; not even Dan Marino could get it

EA wants players to feel heard, and they recently published a long post on their website titled “Franchise Deep Dive,” where they detailed the list of features that the revamped Franchise Mode will offer for Madden 2024.



However, players still need to test the game themselves to see if EA’s announcements are true. Despite the promising announcements, there is still a lot to prove when the game is finally released to the public.



At least the players who were asking for changes to Franchise Mode were heard. This is good news, as it seems that the developers want the game to be much more successful than previous releases.



<h2>What are the new features for Madden 2024 Franchise Mode?</h2>



The article published by EA is long, but all the features are detailed. They start by talking about what Training Camp will be, where players can try different types of scenarios called WR Battle, Rushing Attack, and others.



List of features for Franchise Mode: (compiled by @jasrifootball)



<ul><li>A “Training Camp” has been added</li><li>Six trade slots instead of 3</li><li>Ability to restructure contracts</li><li>Talent tree expansion</li><li>New “99 club” draft prospects</li><li>“Injury prone” draft prospects</li><li>Revamped “Progression and Regression” sliders</li><li>Ability to do a “snake” fantasy draft</li><li>Revamped free agent motivations</li><li>Revamped “weekly strategy”</li><li>The ability to trade draft picks that are two years away instead of just one</li><li>“Cooldowns” and “playcall limits” are now decided by the user instead of being a universal setting</li><li>New uniform and team relocations, including out of country locations</li><li>“Trade difficulty” slider</li></ul>



Another revamped option has to do with the Commissioner Tools and Settings, which will offer new features such as cooldowns and play call limits that commissioners can apply independently.

Gaming: EA list of features for Madden 2024 Franchise Mode - Bolavip US

Gaming: EA list of features for Madden 2024 Franchise Mode

The player who appears in a Madden cover is famous and they already have a big contract but that doesn’t mean that EA Sports, the company behind Madden, won’t pay that player a commission for using his image in a cover.



Other companies pay players to do commercials or sign sponsorship deals, but players don’t depend much on what EA Sports can pay them, they mainly give away their image rights for the game.


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The most important thing in a Madden game is the cover, the players who appear in the cover are the ones who get the most advertising benefit but that does not mean that EA Sports have to pay them a lot of money to appear in the cover.



<h2>When does EA Sports pay players to appear in Madden 24?</h2>



Nothing, the players do not receive any type of economic incentive, but the NFL Players Association has the rights to the names and images of the players and they negotiate those rights with EA Sports.



The players who do receive payment are the college football players featured in the EA Sports titles for college football, in 2016 the players received $1,600 each for their images right and it is expected that for the upcoming 2024 edition they will receive only $500.



Sports games are highly popular like CSGO or any other shooter due to the fact that gamers can spend weeks, even months, playing the different modes offered by sports games like league mode, franchise mode, player develop mode, etc.

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Gaming: How much do NFL Players make from Madden 24?

Madden