As we approach the end of another exciting NFL season, gridiron video gamers are already metaphorically frothing at the mouth for what’s next to come from Electronic Arts (EA) Sports with Madden NFL 24.
With Madden NFL 24 expected to be released in August this year, the gaming industry is already debating the possible contenders to become the cover player of next season’s edition. The decision to use the late John Madden as the face of Madden NFL 23 was poignant and clearly the right move to honor his contribution to the sport. However, the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Justin Jefferson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrows are back in the conversation for the next release this summer.
Patrick Mahomes feels an unlikely pick for Madden NFL 24
However, a cover appearance from an NFL athlete seems certain for next season’s release. One player we can probably rule out of the equation is Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Although Mahomes has had yet another barnstorming regular season with the Chiefs, he has already featured twice as the cover player for Madden NFL 20 and 22, with EA Sports unlikely to go down the same route a third time, even if Mahomes, who has been instrumental in nail-biting games similar to Super Bowl, and the Chiefs win it all this year.
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The Chiefs have been involved in plenty of classics over the years, not least the inaugural Super Bowl in 1967 when the Chiefs lost 35-10 to the Green Bay Packers. Fortunately for the Chiefs, they have more than made up for this historic defeat through the years, winning the Lombardi Trophy in 1970 and again in 2020. Mahomes was instrumental in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV win over the San Francisco 49ers, but even if he puts in an MVP display at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium there are several other hot prospects bidding to become the new face of NFL for 2023-24.
Justin Jefferson seems like the number-one candidate
Enigmatic wide receiver Justin Jefferson has taken the NFL by storm since being a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft for the Minnesota Vikings. Although the Vikings’ 2022-23 season fizzled out somewhat, Jefferson’s individual performances were a shining light for Minnesota fans. He posted 128 receptions and eight touchdowns for 1,809 yards – a league-best figure.
Jefferson was an ever-present for the Vikings this season and many Madden NFL players think he is a prime candidate to be handed a 99 player rating by EA Sports next season. Such a move would add further weight to selecting him as the cover player for the next release. Jefferson has found his way into popular gaming culture over the course of his sophomore NFL campaign. His iconic celebration dance has even found its way into Fortnite.
Quarterbacks Josh Allen and Joe Burrow may also stand a chance
Historically, EA Sports’ cover player picks have been largely inspired by quarterbacks. However, with Mahomes set to be out of the picture and Tom Brady choosing to retire for a second time, there are only a couple of potential quarterback candidates to be the cover player of Madden NFL 24.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback, Joe Burrow, was a shoo-in to be the cover player for Madden NFL 23 were it not for the passing of John Madden. Burrow was an integral part of the Bengals’ run to last season’s Super Bowl and he’s put in another solid season in 2022-23. Back-to-back strong seasons make him a leading contender if EA Sports are fixated on quarterbacks to market their product.
Similarly, Josh Allen could be another quarterback option after an imperious 2022-23 regular season for Buffalo Bills’ star. However, his inability to lead the Bills all the way to the Super Bowl 2023 means that EA Sports are more likely to lean towards Burrow or Jefferson based on form and notoriety alone.
