It’s been more than two decades since John Madden has been on the cover of the video game that bears his name, but after his passing late last year, Electronic Arts is bringing the Hall of Fame coach and commentator back to the forefront.
Madden’s visage will be on the cover of Madden NFL 23, the company announced Wednesday. That breaks the long tradition of using star athletes on the cover. The news comes on the 34th anniversary of the launch of the first game in the series.
Madden will do more than front the game, however. He’ll also be a bigger part of the play experience this year. The game will feature two versions of Madden leading opposing teams of “All Madden” athletes facing off in the 1970s Oakland Coliseum, the home of his Super Bowl champion Raiders teams. Additionally, remastered audio clips from his broadcast days will be featured in the game. And EA says other ways to honor Madden will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Beyond honoring Madden in the game, EA has committed $2.5 million from the John Madden Legacy Commitment to Education to support programming for the next five years to College Track, Mission Bit, StreetCode Academy and Girls Who Code. Another $2.5 million will be devoted to the creation of the EA Madden Scholarship in partnership with the United Negro College Fund.
“Coach Madden was a lifelong believer in the importance of education,” said Cam Weber, EA Sports executive vice president and general manager, in a statement, “We’re privileged to support these amazing organizations that are creating opportunities for the next generation to pursue their dreams in his honor.”
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