Who is on the Cover of Madden 12?
The Madden NFL series has been a staple in the gaming world for decades, and each year, a new cover athlete is chosen to represent the game. For Madden NFL 12, the cover features Peyton Hillis, the running back for the Cleveland Browns. Hillis was selected by millions of fans across the country through a unprecedented campaign with ESPN.com and SportsNation, which garnered a record 12.7 million fan votes.
The Campaign
The campaign to choose the cover athlete for Madden NFL 12 was a unique and engaging experience for fans. ESPN.com and SportsNation partnered to create a online voting platform where fans could cast their votes for their favorite player. The campaign ran for several weeks, and the top five vote-getters were narrowed down to a final showdown between Hillis, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, and Aaron Rodgers.
Why Hillis?
So, why was Peyton Hillis chosen as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 12? According to Hillis himself, it was a combination of his strong performance on the field and his popularity among fans. "I think it’s just a testament to the hard work and dedication that I’ve put into my career," Hillis said in an interview. "I’m grateful to the fans for voting for me, and I’m excited to be a part of the Madden franchise."
Impact on the Game
Hillis’ selection as the cover athlete had a significant impact on the game. The campaign generated a lot of buzz and excitement among fans, and the game itself saw a significant increase in sales. "The campaign was a huge success," said EA Sports executive vice president, Peter Moore. "It was a great way to engage with fans and get them involved in the process of choosing the cover athlete. We’re thrilled with the results, and we’re looking forward to doing it again next year."
Madden Curse
The Madden curse, a superstition that suggests that players who appear on the cover of Madden NFL will suffer a decline in their performance or even an injury, has been a topic of discussion among fans. However, Hillis seems to be immune to the curse, as he continued to perform well on the field and even led the Browns to the playoffs in 2010.
Other Notable Cover Athletes
Madden NFL has featured some notable cover athletes over the years. Here are a few notable ones:
| Year | Cover Athlete |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Garrison Hearst |
| 2001 | Daunte Culpepper |
| 2004 | Michael Vick |
| 2007 | Vince Young |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Peyton Hillis was chosen as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 12 through a unique and engaging campaign with ESPN.com and SportsNation. The campaign generated a lot of buzz and excitement among fans, and the game itself saw a significant increase in sales. Hillis’ selection has had a lasting impact on the game, and he remains one of the most beloved cover athletes in the series.