Joe Burrow Faces Another Madden Cover Snub as Favorite Emerges
Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) leaves the field after a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) leaves the field after a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Joe Burrow did not get much playing time in 2025. However, he still managed to throw for 1,809 yards, get 17 touchdowns, and have a completion rate of 66.8%. Burrow has been a prolific performer for Cincinnati ever since he arrived in 2020.
Even then, when it came to making it to the top of the Madden NFL 26 cover, he was overlooked.
"EA will announce the next cover athlete for the Madden video game franchise on Thursday. In Chicago," Mike Florio of the Pro Football Talk reported June 1. "That has fueled rampant rumors that Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will be this year’s choice."
It's usually the most popular football player that season who get themselves on the cover. Naturally, a player of Burrow's caliber is deemed fit for the role. Yet time and again, his Madden cover debut has been derailed.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks back to the sideline before a goal line play in the first quarter of the NFL Week 17 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. The Bengals led 23-7 at halftime.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks back to the sideline before a goal line play in the first quarter of the NFL Week 17 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. The Bengals led 23-7 at halftime.
This has now become a sort of routine for Burrow. Last year, it was Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. The year before that again had rumors around Burrow getting the call. Ultimately, it went to the San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, who got the nod
The year before that, in 2023, went to Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen. Such has been Burrow's luck.
The Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams had a strong sophomore year in 2025, throwing for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also played in all 17 games, which was something Burrow could not manage.
Besides Burrow, his Bengals teammate Ja'Marr Chase was also in line, but it seems he, too, has missed out this time. However, Burrow, despite his lack of playing time, hasn't missed out on saving himself a spot on ESPN's top MVP candidates.
Burrow Finds Himself Among ESPN's MVPs Ahead Of 2026 Season
Joe Burrow's skills as a player have really impressed the masses, which is why he finds himself among the best even after an injury-laden season.
ESPN released its predictions for the MVP award this season and Burrow finds himself on the MVP candidate list.
"Two seasons ago, Burrow played the best ball of his pro career. His 72.1 QBR might have earned him the MVP award had Allen and Jackson not existed," ESPN reported.
Burrow led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2021 season after over 30 years. In his career, he has also set multiple franchise passing records and won two AP Comeback Player of the Year awards in 2021 and 2024.
"We didn't get to see a full follow-up in 2025 due to injury, but we did still get eight games of Burrow...Still, between his talent and Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins running routes, he has to be a threat for the award," ESPN added.
Madden might have overlooked him, but Joe Burrow's talents are speaking up for him. Last year didn't go his way, but Burrow and company are trying to come back stronger this time.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Sourav Ganguly
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore