Madden NFL 25 release date: Top 5 standout athletes who could grace the latest edition's cover

Madden NFL 25 is the latest iteration of the most popular NFL video game. It will feature all 32 teams and potentially a couple of new features.

Madden NFL 25 will be available worldwide on Aug. 16. However, fans who crave early access to the game and purchase a special edition or the MVP Bundle for EA Sports College Football 25 can access the game on Aug. 13.

Top 5 standout athletes who could grace Madden NFL 25 cover

With the Madden NFL 25 release on the horizon, there's a lot of speculation about who the cover star will be. Here's a list of five potential cover stars for the blockbuster release:

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1. C.J. Stroud, Quarterback, Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud is the reigning offensive rookie of the year and the franchise quarterback for one of the league's most promising teams. Stroud earned MVP shoutouts in Year 1 and will only improve with time.

C. J. Stroud, as the Madden 25 cover star, will make a lot of sense. He has a decent social media following, is excellent at football, and is a driving force in the new generation.

2. Christian McCaffrey, Running back San Francisco 49ers

Christian McCaffrey is the best running back in the NFL, and it's not even close. The San Francisco 49ers superstar is viewed by many as the best player in the NFC, and he could make a solid Madden cover star.

3. Justin Jefferson, Wide receiver, Minnesota Vikings

Justin Jefferson is one of the most marketable players in the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings pass catcher has a trademark dance, is a walking highlight reel, and is loved by gamers worldwide.

4. Aaron Donald, Retired

Aaron Donald announced his retirement during the offseason. The Los Angeles Rams legend achieved everything a defensive player could in the NFL and retired during his prime.

Donald would be a deserving Madden NFL 25 cover star. He's a legend, a former Super Bowl winner, and was the gold standard for defensive players for a decade.

5. Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson is the reigning league MVP. Hence, it's only natural that he's in the running for the Madden cover. Few NFL players strike fear in defensive coordinators' hearts as Jackson does.

Honorable Mentions: The Kelce Brothers

Jason and Travis Kelce are the most famous brothers in NFL lore. It won’t hurt to see the New Heights crew on the Madden 25 cover.

EA Madden cover athletes from previous franchises

Here's a list of the Madden cover athletes since 2000:

2000: John Madden
2001: Eddie George
2002: Daunte Culpepper
2003: Marshall Faulk
2004: Michael Vick
2005: Ray Lewis
2006: Donovan McNabb
2007: Shaun Alexander
2008: Vince Young
2009: Brett Favre
2010: Troy Polamalu and Larry Fitzgerald
2011: Drew Brees
2012: Peyton Hillis
2013: Calvin Johnson
2014: Barry Sanders
2015: Richard Sherman
2016: Odell Beckham Jr.
2017: Rob Gronkowski
2018: Tom Brady
2019: Antonio Brown
2020: Patrick Mahomes
2021: Lamar Jackson
2022: Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady
2023: John Madden
2024: Josh Allen

About the author

Nick Uzochukwu Igbokwe is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda. He loves the thrill and excitement that comes with the complex plays on the Gridiron. American football is an acquired taste, and he has been hooked on the game since discovering it in 2017 during his University days.

Furthermore, Nick has interviewed agents, medical personnel, and close family members of NFL stars, who have reached out to him after reading his stories.

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Edited by Rajdeep Barman