As was perhaps predicted following his passing in December 2021, football icon John Madden will be the cover star for Madden NFL 23. The legendary coach turned broadcaster is synonymous with both football and sports video games, and three unique box arts will depict key moments from his storied career. The All Madden Edition is particularly noteworthy, representing a throwback to the 1988 cover of John Madden Football, which first released on the Apple II.
The new game will celebrate John Madden beyond the cover, however: “Coach Madden’s football philosophies and expectations on the field have always grounded the Madden NFL development team, as they represent what fans truly want from the best 11v11 simulation football experience,” a blog post explains. “When Madden NFL 23 launches later this summer, the first interactive experience will feature two versions of Coach Madden leading opposing teams of ‘All Madden’ athletes facing off in the 1970s Oakland Coliseum. In addition, the unforgettable voice of Coach Madden returns during the game in remastered audio clips that call back to his legendary days as a broadcaster.”
In addition, EA Sports has provided an update on its $5 million charitable pledge to the John Madden Legacy Commitment to Education. “Electronic Arts will commit $2.5 million of the John Madden Legacy Commitment to Education to support programming over the next five years for the following four non-profit organisations focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) education: College Track, Mission Bit, StreetCode Academy, and Girls Who Code,” the publisher said. “These organisations are established and proven partners committed to equipping students confronting systemic barriers with the tech skills, mentoring, and development support needed to succeed in college and beyond.”
The remaining $2.5 million will be used to create the EA Madden Scholarship, in collaboration with the United Negro College Fund. “Coach Madden was a lifelong believer in the importance of education, and we’re privileged to support these amazing organizations that are creating opportunities for the next generation to pursue their dreams in his honour,” EA Sports bigwig Cam Weber explained.
[source ea.com]
Comments 11
That’s a surprising amount of effort they’ve gone to actually. Nice to see, especially for EA.
Love all three covers, great job EA!
Even though modern Madden games have been less than stellar I got to give them props for the old school cover art idea. The remastered audio recording of his broadcasting is also a cool touch. Kudos EA!
Rare EA W
I don't even like football, but this honestly sounds very appealing. That's a lot of care and nostalgia sending off an icon.
Been playing Madden since 1990 on Sega Genesis. Definitely getting the All Madden version!!
They should just put madden on every cover. They will sell more copies since not everyone is a tom Brady fan
This was the only right decision for Madden 23, but credit where it is due; for once EA didn't fumble here.
I remember playing Madden with friends on the genesis. So much fun. We all knew the trick to blocking extra points and field goals. Many odd final scores because of it like 18 to 12. Also played early on PC. I remember the circle pass a guarantee when playing vs cpu. Great memories. Glad they are honoring him and putting money where there mouth is.
I'd like to see the ambulance come back on the field of play, that was so funny.
Seriously, Coach Madden on the cover is the right move.
Huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan here.and ea did a good job with the retro old school covers.and i miss the sega genesis john madden football 🏈 1990.such a legendary game.r.i.p. to the legendary john madden.word up son
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