Bucs Now Feature Madden Lineup, Is the Madden Curse or a Super Bowl Championship in Team’s Future?

Lauren Skarupsky |

Oct 1, 2021

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an opportunity to be a powerhouse team in the NFC. With top NFL talent, the team could become Super Bowl Champions. However, that also may not be the case.

Making the cover of EA’s Madden is an honor. But over the years, it has also been seen as a curse. Many say Patrick Mahomes has since broken that curse when he was featured on the cover of the 2020 edition and led the Kansas City Chiefs to a Super Bowl win. However, the same did not happen for Lamar Jackson a year later.

Recently, after signing Richard Sherman to a one-year deal, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ roster currently has four players that have been featured on the cover of Madden. Will the Buccaneers suffer from the “Madden Curse”? Or will they luck out and return to the Super Bowl?

Cover of Madden 15: Richard Sherman
Unable to match his number of interceptions in his 2013 season, his coverage was still incredible. Seahawks made it to the Super Bowl but lost 24-28 to the Patriots, after a costly interception a few yards away from the end zone.

Cover of Madden 17: Rob Gronkowski
Found his way onto the Patriots Injury Reserve list after missing the first two games of the 2016 Season due to a hamstring injury. Then later, suffered a back injury that required surgery.

Cover of Madden 18: Tom Brady
Had an incredible season, leading the Patriots to the Super Bowl. The curse struck again; he fumbled the ball allowing the Philadelphia Eagles to score again. With a few seconds left, Brady threw a “Hail Mary” however was unable to connect. Patriots lost 33-41.

Cover of Madden 19: Antonio Brown
Unusual way to be “cursed” but Antonio Brown suffered from “frostbite” on his feet. He was later released from the Raiders. He signed a one-year contract with the Patriots then was promptly released following multiple allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior as well as allegations of rape.

The Madden 2022 cover features, QB’s Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. Hopefully, Patrick Mahomes’ magic can rub off on Tom Brady and the Buccaneers get a real shot at becoming back to back Super Bowl champions.