It is probably safe to assume that the majority of Detroit Lions fans are not going to be really excited about the featured athlete on this year’s iteration of Madden NFL 2027. After an exciting season in 2025, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is this year’s cover athlete. And while I don’t love it, I can understand the reasoning behind the choice.
I don’t play the game as I did back in the day, and seeing a Bears player on the cover has me longing for the years when we got to enjoy Lions players on the iconic video game’s cover. In fact, there was a period in which we had Lions players on the cover in back-to-back years. In 2013, Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson was the cover athlete, with fellow legend and Hall of Famer Barry Sanders following up in 2014 for the game’s 25th anniversary. And if you were wondering, yes, I do still have the cases for both of those games.
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That brings us to today’s question of the day:
My answer: While I want to stick to my usual bit and pick Lions All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell, I will be more realistic and say running back Jahmyr Gibbs. To put things simply, I think Gibbs is in for a monster year. If the Lions’ newly re-tooled offensive line can click early in the season, Gibbs should be in the running for Offensive Player of the Year. Add in the fact that Lions coach Dan Campbell has already said that Gibbs is going to be their bellcow this year, and you begin to realize that the sky is truly the limit for Gibbs in 2026.
What about you? Who do you think will be the next Lions player to be featured on the cover of a future Madden game? Let us know in the comments below.
