We can already look forward to Madden 22 as a storm of controversy erupted surrounding Madden 21. As I mentioned earlier in the week, we should already expect certain game adjustments, particularly in Franchise Mode. Making guesses regarding the Madden 22 cover athlete seem to be the fun thing to do these days. The days of fan-voted brackets, where athletes like Peyton Hillis earned the prestigious award, are long gone. Instead, EA Sports selects one of the finest players from the previous season who they believe best embodies the essence of the upcoming edition.
Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs is perhaps the most improbable player on the list to make the cover. Some could say that he isn't even his team's best player (more on that later). Diggs, on the other hand, has a strong case to make. Diggs showed why he's one of the league's most dynamic wide receivers in his debut season in Buffalo. He set NFL records for receptions and receiving yards while leading the Bills to their first division championship since 1995. But why isn't Davante Adams on this list if Diggs is? After all, Adams had the most receiving touchdowns of any player on the team and was instrumental in Green Bay's division winning run.
Looking back over the last few years, it appears that Madden has rewarded breakout performers. They went with young up-and-comers like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson instead of established stars like Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson. Simply put, Diggs' performance for the 2020-21 season feels more like a significant plot. He'd make a great cover athlete, but there are a few others that would be a better fit for the cover this year.
Aaron Donald
Isn't it past time for Aaron Donald to grace the cover of Madden? Although I previously stated that EA Sports favors young up-and-comers, Donald recently received his third Defensive Player of the Year honor. Donald is not only the finest defensive player in the NFL, but he is also possibly one of the finest players in the league, if not the greatest — single. Despite Donald's brilliance, EA Sports appears to prefer offensive players for the cover. Only three defenders have ever been featured on the cover of Madden: Ray Lewis (Madden 2005), Troy Polamalu (Madden 10) and Richard Sherman (Madden 10). (Madden 15). Adding Donald would be a great way to pay tribute to a player of his level while emphasizing defense. Donald is deserving of a Madden cover at some point, even if he isn't the most showy selection.
Josh Allen
No one was more critical to the Bills' breakout season than Josh Allen, as crucial as Stefon Diggs was. He was the face of Buffalo's 13-3 season, which included a return to the AFC championship game for the first time since 1988. Allen had a breakout season, finishing fifth in throwing yards and touchdowns while also rushing for the fourth most touchdowns among quarterbacks. The only reason Allen isn't a front-runner for Madden 22's cover athlete is because of his recent background. Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, as I mentioned in a previous slide, were the last two cover athletes. For the third year in a row, Madden may not want to have a blossoming superstar quarterback grace their cover.
Allen, in any case, was one of the season's most talked-about players. He'd be a good fit for Madden's next cover athlete, though another player might have a stronger argument.
Derrick Henry
According to rumors, It's possible that Henry is the man on the Madden 22 cover. It's a reasonable decision. For the third year in a row, EA Sports may be hesitant to feature a rookie quarterback on the cover. Furthermore, there may not be a greater non-passer to be the cover athlete this year. The Titans' All-Pro running back checks all of the boxes. Over the last three seasons, he's been one of the finest running backs in the NFL, including a strong 2020-21 season in which he led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns once again. In the game, Henry is also a lot of fun to play with.
