A very good 2014 got a little better for Richard Sherman on Friday. Well, unless you believe in curses.
The Seahawks cornerback, who since the new year has made the NFC West championship-clinching play, won a Super Bowl, been on the receiving end of jokes from none other than President Barack Obama (twice), been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people, and signed a huge contract, just added another off-the-field accomplishment, winning the fan vote to be on the cover of the next version of the popular Madden video game.
Sherman was up against Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in the final voting, and by winning he becomes the second Seahawk, along with Shaun Alexander, to grace the cover of the EA Sports game.
Of course as most NFL or video game fans know, earning the honor of a Madden cover is something of a mixed blessing. Since the game put Garrison Hearst on the cover in 1998, many players to grace the cover have suffered injuries or just had disappointing seasons the following season. CBSsports.com has a good breakdown here, but among the highlights are Barry Sanders deciding to retire, Michael Vick breaking his leg, and Alexander breaking his foot, the beginning of his career decline following an MVP season.
Then again, Calvin Johnson appeared on the cover in 2012 and went on to break Jerry Rice’s record for receiving yards in a season, so success following a Madden cover is certainly possible. And if you’re wondering, last year’s cover went to Sanders, who has been retired since, well, his last cover appearance.
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