Posted in: Games, Video Games | Tagged: EA, Madden 18, Madden NFL 18, Tom Brady

EA Tempts Wrath Of New England By Putting Tom Brady On Madden Cover

EA has revealed that New England Patriots quarterback and five-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady will grace the cover of  Madden NFL 18 when it launches worldwide on Friday, August 25. The press release making the announcement was quick to inform us that Madden 18 is powered by the Frostbite engine, saying "Frostbite delivers a significant visual leap not only to the players, but crowds, stadiums and more. Such a special game truly deserves an equally-special cover athlete."

Yeah, I'm not touching that with a ten foot pole EA. I don't sports much, and even I know that calling Tom Brady an "equally special cover athlete" is a bit much.

The release also points out that the Madden NFL cover was one of the few career accolades that had previously eluded Brady, and that this also marks the first time in Madden NFL history that teammates have graced the cover in back-to-back years, after last year's game featured Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.

"The Madden NFL 18 cover is a great honor for me," said Brady. "Especially since I have been playing the game since growing up next to EA headquarters in the Bay Area. I'm not one to believe in curses, so I'm ready to take the challenge head on like always! It doesn't stand a chance!!!"

Not to rain on Brady's parade too much, but that cover looks frankly hilarious. I especially enjoy the G.O.A.T. text that hits just in front of Brady's screaming face.

But hey, he seems to be well aware of the Madden Curse, and I will say that it couldn't happen to a better quarterback. Really.

Brady has become a polarizing figure, loved by New England fans and considered arguable the greatest quarterback to play that game. But he's coming off a year where he spent the first four games due to the Deflate-Gate scandal and a lot of NFL fans consider Brady and the Patriots cheaters. There was a lot of speculation that the NFL went after him so hard for the deflated footballs because they couldn't get them for the other infractions. Perhaps NFL Commissioner put his thumb on the scale for Brady so the Madden Curse could punish the Patriots where he couldn't.

In addition to the cover news, EA also announced pre-order offers for two distinct editions of Madden NFL 18. Fans who pre-order the standard edition will receive numerous benefits, including the choice of an Elite player from their favorite NFL team for use in Madden NFL 18 Ultimate Team, as well as five Squad Packs, redeemable at launch. In celebration of the Greatest of All Time, those looking for even more can opt for the G.O.A.T. Edition, which gets them not only what's in the standard edition, but also one of five G.O.A.T. players of their choice for Madden NFL 18 Ultimate Team, and other assorted pre-order goodies.

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