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#3 - Rob Gronkowski (Madden 17)
New England Patriots' legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski was at the peak of his powers when EA announced that he would be the cover athlete for Madden 17. Teaming up with teammate and friend Tom Brady, Gronk had amassed 1,176 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015.
However, in 2016, Gronkowski couldn't stay healthy, missing the first two games of the season with a hamstring problem. He then suffered a pulmonary contusion against Seattle in week 11. His campaign ended with 540 yards and three touchdowns on 25 catches, and he was sidelined for the Patriots' Super Bowl LI win.
#2 - Peyton Hillis (Madden 12)
Cleveland Browns FB Peyton Hillis was the shock choice for Madden 12's cover after he clocked up 1,177 yards rushing and 477 receiving yards the year prior.
However, this was as good as it got for Hillis, who was a one-year wonder, never gaining over 700 yards from scrimmage outside his 2010 breakout campaign.
After being named cover athlete, Hillis struggled with strep throat and hamstring problems as he only saw the field for 10 games all year. He was released by the Browns after the season and returned to his backup role with the Chiefs and Giants thereafter.
#1 - Antonio Brown (Madden 19)
The Madden curse is usually reserved for players who suffer from injuries after gracing its cover, but Antonio Brown's actions have led to him being on this list. He graced the cover of Madden 19.
Despite stats showing him catching 104 passes for 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns the next season, Brown sat out the Steelers' final game of the season. This was following an argument with QB Ben Roethlisberger.
This led to a bizarre offseason where Brown demanded a trade to the Oakland Raiders. He claimed that he had frostbite on his feet and threatened to retire if the NFL didn't let him wear his preferred helmet.
Brown's actions led him to being cut by the Raiders before ever suiting up for them. Despite winning a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, his legacy may always be defined as a result of the Madden curse.
