The Madden Curse: Is It Real?

THE MANDEN CUPSE IS T REAL? 1998 2011 ..... FANSIDED THE MADDEN CURSE 1998 1999 PlayStation. GARRISON HEARST RUNNING BACK SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,019 YARDSs RUSHING, 4 TDS 20 YEAR OF COVER: 1,570 YARDS RUSHING, 7 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: DESPITE A CAREER YEAR HE BROKE HIS MADDEN ANKLE IN A DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF GAME AGAINST THE ATLANTA FALCONS AND MISSED THE NEXT TWO SEASONS NEE 99 SPORTS SIDE FACT: FIRST PLAYER TO BE EXCLUSIVELY FEATURED ON A COVER GARRISON HEARST ON SELECT COVERS CUASE SCRLE: AAAAAAAAAA ........... THE MADDEN CURSE 1999-2000 PlayStation.2 BARRY SANDERS RUNNING BACK DETROIT LIONS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,491 YARDS RUSHING, 4 TDS YEAR OF COVER: SPORTS NO STATS AVAILABLE MADDEN CURSE ARGUMENT: SHOCKINGLY RETIRES BEFORE TRAINING CAMP IN THE PRIME OF HIS CAREER, WHILE CHASING THE ALL-TIME RUSHING RECORD. 2000 * SIDE FACT: SANDERS RETIRED WITH 15,269 RUSHING YARDS. * SANDERS PICTURED NEXT TO MADDEN 4 CUASE SCALE: THE MADDEN CURSE 2000 2001 PlayStation.2 EDDIE GEORGE RUNNING BACK TENNESSEE TITANS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,304 YARDS RUSHING, 9 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 1,509 YARDS RUSHING, 14 TDS EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: COSTLY FUMBLE IN THE PLAYOFFS THAT MADDEN HELPED LEAD TO A LOSS FOR THE TITANS * SIDE FACT: GEORGE RETIRED WITH 38 CAREER FUMBLES 2001 1/2 CURSE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2001-2002 PlayStation.2 DAUNTE CULPEPPER QUARTERBACK MINNESOTA VIKINGS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 3,937 YARDS PASSING, 33 TDS, 16 INT (11-5 RECORD As A STARTER) YEAR OF COVER: 2,612 YARDS PASSING, 14 TDS, 13 INT (4-7 RECORD AS A STARTER) EA SPORTS MADDEN CURSE ARGUMENT: CULPEPPER SUFFERED A SEASON ENDING KNEE INJURY AMIDST A POOR SEASON. 2002 CUASE SCALE: AAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2002 2009 MARSHALL FAULK RUNNING BACK ST. LOUIS RAMS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,382 YARDS RUSHING, 12 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 953 YARDS RUSHING, 8 TDS SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: HIS WORST SEASON SINCE 96. RAMS MADDEN GO FROM A RECcORD OF 14-2 TO 7-9, MISSING THE PLAYOFFS. FAULK NEVER RUSHED FOR OVER 1,000 IN A SEASON AGAIN. 廊 2003 *SIDE FACT: FAULK RETIRED WITH 19,154 TOTAL YARDS FROM SCRIMMAGE. 6 CURSE SCRLE: AAAAAAAÂAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2009-2004 PlayStation.2 MICHAEL VICK QUARTERBACK ATLANTA FALCONS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 2,936 YARDS PASSING, 16 TDS 777 YARDS RUSHING, 8 TDS (8-6-1 RECORD) EA YEAR OF COVER: 585 YARDS PASSING, 1 TD 255 YARDS RUSHING, 1 TDS (3-1 RECORD) SPORTS MADDEN 2004 3 CURSE ARGUMENT: VICK FRACTURED FIBULA 1 DAY AFTER MADDEN 2004 WAS RELEASED. HE MISSED 11 GAMES THAT YEAR CURSE SCALE: AA AAA ............ THE MADDEN CURSE 2004 2005 RAY LEWIS LINE BACKER BALTIMORE RAVENS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 121 TACKLES, 6 INT, 2 FUMBLES RECOVERED YEAR OF COVER: 101 TACKLES, O INT, 2 FUMBLES RECOVERED EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: BROKEN WRIST AND MISSED ONE GAME BECAUSE OF IT. 2005 WAS ALSO THE FIRST SEASON TO THAT POINT MADDEN THAT HE DIDN'T RECORD AT LEAST ONE INTERCEPTION. 2005 * SIDE FACT: FIRST DEFENSIVE PLAYER TO BE FEATURED ON THE COVER 3 2 CURSE SCALE: ΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΑ THE MADDEN CURSE 2005-2006 DONOVAN MCNABB QUARTERBACK PHILADELPHIA EAGLES YEAR BEFORE COVER: 3,875 YARDS PASSING, 31 TDS, 8 INT (IN 14 GMS) YEAR OF COVER: 2,507 YARDS PASSING, 16 TDS, 9 INT (IN 9 GMS) CURSE ARGUMENT: SUFFERED A SPORTS HERNIA IN THE SPORTS SEASON OPENER WHICH EVENTUALLY REQUIRED SURGERY. FINALLY A GROIN INJURY IN THE 10TH GAME ENDED HIS SEASON. HE HAD BEEN IN 5 PREVIOUS PRO BOWLS BUT HAS NOT RETURNED SINCE. MADDEN06 * SIDE FACT: WAS QUOTED SAYING "IT MIGHT BE A TREND, BUT I DON'T BELIEVE IN THE CURSE AT ALL" 3 PAL CURSE SCALE: AA AAA .......... THE MADDEN CURSE 2006-2007 SHAUN ALEXANDER RUNNING BACK SEATTLE SEAHAWKS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,880 RUSHING YARDS, 27 TDS (BROKE TD RECORD THAT YEAR) WON THE MVP YEAR OF COVER: 896 RUSHING YARDS, 7 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: BROKE FOOT IN GAME 3, MISSED 6 STARTS. FELL BELOW THE 1,000 RUSHING YARD MARK FOR THE ARST TIME SINCE MADDENS07 HIS ROOKIE YEAR SIDE FACT: HE WAS QUOTED AS SAYING "I DONT BELIEVE IN CURSES" 3- PLATER CUASE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2007 2008 VINCE YOUNG QUARTERBACK TENNESSEE TITANS YEAR BEFORE ÇOVER: 2,199 PASSING YARDS, 12 TDS, 13 INT (8-5 RECORD YEAR OF COVER: 2,546 PASSING YARDS, 9 TDS, 17 INT (8-5 RECORD) SPORTS MADDEN NFE 08 CURSE ARGUMENT: MISSED 1 GAME, ALMOST 2:1 INT:TD RATIO 3- 1/2 CUASE SCALE: THE MADDEN CURSE 2008-2009 BRETT FAVRE QUARTERBACK NEW YORK JETS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 4.155 PASSING YARDS, 28 TDS, 15 INT (13-3 RECORD) YEAR OF COVER: 3,472 PASSING YARDS, 22 TDS, 22 INT 19-7 RECORDI SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: FAVRE LED THE JETS TO AN 8-3 START, ONLY TO INJURE HIS THROWING ARM LEADNNG TO A COLLAPSE IN THE FINAL 5 MADDEN09 GAMES TO MISS THE PLAYOFFS. * SIDE FACT: RETIRED AFTER '07, SELECTED FOR COVER, THEN UNRETIRED AND TRADED TO JETS MEL PLAYERS 52 CUASE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA ................ THE MADDEN CURSE 2009-2010 XBOX 360 LVE LARRY FITZGERALD WIDE RECEIVER ARIZONA CARDINALS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,431 RECEIVING YARDS, 12 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 1,092 RECEIVING YARDS, 13 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: NA MADDEN 10 RP NEL PLAYERS CURSE SCALE: AA THE MADDEN CURSE 2009 2010 ХВОХ 360 LIVE TROY POLAMALU FREE SAFETY PITTSBURG STEELERS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 54 TACKLES, 7 INT (16 GAMES) YEAR OF COVER: 1 TACKLES, 3 INT (5 GAMES) CURSE ARGUMENT: SPRAINED LIGAMENTS IN HIS KNEE DURING MADDEN 10 THE 1ST GAME, THEN AFTER SITTING ON THE SIDELINES, INJURED AGAIN IN WEEK 10. PLAYED ONLY 5 OF THE 16 GAMES. HAD 2 SEPARATE MAJOR INJURIES IN 1 SEASON. RP NI PLAYERS 8 '2 CURSE SCRLE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2010 2011 . .. XBOX 360 LIVE DREW BREES QUARTERBACK NEW ORLEANS SAINTS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 4,388 PASSING YARDS, 34 TDS, 11 INT WON THE SUPERBOWL YEAR OF COVER: EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: NA MADDEN 11 E NEL PLAYERS CURSE SCALE: AA INFO GRAPHIC WORLD THE MANDEN CUPSE IS T REAL? 1998 2011 ..... FANSIDED THE MADDEN CURSE 1998 1999 PlayStation. GARRISON HEARST RUNNING BACK SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,019 YARDSs RUSHING, 4 TDS 20 YEAR OF COVER: 1,570 YARDS RUSHING, 7 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: DESPITE A CAREER YEAR HE BROKE HIS MADDEN ANKLE IN A DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF GAME AGAINST THE ATLANTA FALCONS AND MISSED THE NEXT TWO SEASONS NEE 99 SPORTS SIDE FACT: FIRST PLAYER TO BE EXCLUSIVELY FEATURED ON A COVER GARRISON HEARST ON SELECT COVERS CUASE SCRLE: AAAAAAAAAA ........... THE MADDEN CURSE 1999-2000 PlayStation.2 BARRY SANDERS RUNNING BACK DETROIT LIONS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,491 YARDS RUSHING, 4 TDS YEAR OF COVER: SPORTS NO STATS AVAILABLE MADDEN CURSE ARGUMENT: SHOCKINGLY RETIRES BEFORE TRAINING CAMP IN THE PRIME OF HIS CAREER, WHILE CHASING THE ALL-TIME RUSHING RECORD. 2000 * SIDE FACT: SANDERS RETIRED WITH 15,269 RUSHING YARDS. * SANDERS PICTURED NEXT TO MADDEN 4 CUASE SCALE: THE MADDEN CURSE 2000 2001 PlayStation.2 EDDIE GEORGE RUNNING BACK TENNESSEE TITANS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,304 YARDS RUSHING, 9 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 1,509 YARDS RUSHING, 14 TDS EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: COSTLY FUMBLE IN THE PLAYOFFS THAT MADDEN HELPED LEAD TO A LOSS FOR THE TITANS * SIDE FACT: GEORGE RETIRED WITH 38 CAREER FUMBLES 2001 1/2 CURSE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2001-2002 PlayStation.2 DAUNTE CULPEPPER QUARTERBACK MINNESOTA VIKINGS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 3,937 YARDS PASSING, 33 TDS, 16 INT (11-5 RECORD As A STARTER) YEAR OF COVER: 2,612 YARDS PASSING, 14 TDS, 13 INT (4-7 RECORD AS A STARTER) EA SPORTS MADDEN CURSE ARGUMENT: CULPEPPER SUFFERED A SEASON ENDING KNEE INJURY AMIDST A POOR SEASON. 2002 CUASE SCALE: AAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2002 2009 MARSHALL FAULK RUNNING BACK ST. LOUIS RAMS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,382 YARDS RUSHING, 12 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 953 YARDS RUSHING, 8 TDS SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: HIS WORST SEASON SINCE 96. RAMS MADDEN GO FROM A RECcORD OF 14-2 TO 7-9, MISSING THE PLAYOFFS. FAULK NEVER RUSHED FOR OVER 1,000 IN A SEASON AGAIN. 廊 2003 *SIDE FACT: FAULK RETIRED WITH 19,154 TOTAL YARDS FROM SCRIMMAGE. 6 CURSE SCRLE: AAAAAAAÂAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2009-2004 PlayStation.2 MICHAEL VICK QUARTERBACK ATLANTA FALCONS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 2,936 YARDS PASSING, 16 TDS 777 YARDS RUSHING, 8 TDS (8-6-1 RECORD) EA YEAR OF COVER: 585 YARDS PASSING, 1 TD 255 YARDS RUSHING, 1 TDS (3-1 RECORD) SPORTS MADDEN 2004 3 CURSE ARGUMENT: VICK FRACTURED FIBULA 1 DAY AFTER MADDEN 2004 WAS RELEASED. HE MISSED 11 GAMES THAT YEAR CURSE SCALE: AA AAA ............ THE MADDEN CURSE 2004 2005 RAY LEWIS LINE BACKER BALTIMORE RAVENS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 121 TACKLES, 6 INT, 2 FUMBLES RECOVERED YEAR OF COVER: 101 TACKLES, O INT, 2 FUMBLES RECOVERED EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: BROKEN WRIST AND MISSED ONE GAME BECAUSE OF IT. 2005 WAS ALSO THE FIRST SEASON TO THAT POINT MADDEN THAT HE DIDN'T RECORD AT LEAST ONE INTERCEPTION. 2005 * SIDE FACT: FIRST DEFENSIVE PLAYER TO BE FEATURED ON THE COVER 3 2 CURSE SCALE: ΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΑ THE MADDEN CURSE 2005-2006 DONOVAN MCNABB QUARTERBACK PHILADELPHIA EAGLES YEAR BEFORE COVER: 3,875 YARDS PASSING, 31 TDS, 8 INT (IN 14 GMS) YEAR OF COVER: 2,507 YARDS PASSING, 16 TDS, 9 INT (IN 9 GMS) CURSE ARGUMENT: SUFFERED A SPORTS HERNIA IN THE SPORTS SEASON OPENER WHICH EVENTUALLY REQUIRED SURGERY. FINALLY A GROIN INJURY IN THE 10TH GAME ENDED HIS SEASON. HE HAD BEEN IN 5 PREVIOUS PRO BOWLS BUT HAS NOT RETURNED SINCE. MADDEN06 * SIDE FACT: WAS QUOTED SAYING "IT MIGHT BE A TREND, BUT I DON'T BELIEVE IN THE CURSE AT ALL" 3 PAL CURSE SCALE: AA AAA .......... THE MADDEN CURSE 2006-2007 SHAUN ALEXANDER RUNNING BACK SEATTLE SEAHAWKS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,880 RUSHING YARDS, 27 TDS (BROKE TD RECORD THAT YEAR) WON THE MVP YEAR OF COVER: 896 RUSHING YARDS, 7 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: BROKE FOOT IN GAME 3, MISSED 6 STARTS. FELL BELOW THE 1,000 RUSHING YARD MARK FOR THE ARST TIME SINCE MADDENS07 HIS ROOKIE YEAR SIDE FACT: HE WAS QUOTED AS SAYING "I DONT BELIEVE IN CURSES" 3- PLATER CUASE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2007 2008 VINCE YOUNG QUARTERBACK TENNESSEE TITANS YEAR BEFORE ÇOVER: 2,199 PASSING YARDS, 12 TDS, 13 INT (8-5 RECORD YEAR OF COVER: 2,546 PASSING YARDS, 9 TDS, 17 INT (8-5 RECORD) SPORTS MADDEN NFE 08 CURSE ARGUMENT: MISSED 1 GAME, ALMOST 2:1 INT:TD RATIO 3- 1/2 CUASE SCALE: THE MADDEN CURSE 2008-2009 BRETT FAVRE QUARTERBACK NEW YORK JETS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 4.155 PASSING YARDS, 28 TDS, 15 INT (13-3 RECORD) YEAR OF COVER: 3,472 PASSING YARDS, 22 TDS, 22 INT 19-7 RECORDI SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: FAVRE LED THE JETS TO AN 8-3 START, ONLY TO INJURE HIS THROWING ARM LEADNNG TO A COLLAPSE IN THE FINAL 5 MADDEN09 GAMES TO MISS THE PLAYOFFS. * SIDE FACT: RETIRED AFTER '07, SELECTED FOR COVER, THEN UNRETIRED AND TRADED TO JETS MEL PLAYERS 52 CUASE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA ................ THE MADDEN CURSE 2009-2010 XBOX 360 LVE LARRY FITZGERALD WIDE RECEIVER ARIZONA CARDINALS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,431 RECEIVING YARDS, 12 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 1,092 RECEIVING YARDS, 13 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: NA MADDEN 10 RP NEL PLAYERS CURSE SCALE: AA THE MADDEN CURSE 2009 2010 ХВОХ 360 LIVE TROY POLAMALU FREE SAFETY PITTSBURG STEELERS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 54 TACKLES, 7 INT (16 GAMES) YEAR OF COVER: 1 TACKLES, 3 INT (5 GAMES) CURSE ARGUMENT: SPRAINED LIGAMENTS IN HIS KNEE DURING MADDEN 10 THE 1ST GAME, THEN AFTER SITTING ON THE SIDELINES, INJURED AGAIN IN WEEK 10. PLAYED ONLY 5 OF THE 16 GAMES. HAD 2 SEPARATE MAJOR INJURIES IN 1 SEASON. RP NI PLAYERS 8 '2 CURSE SCRLE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2010 2011 . .. XBOX 360 LIVE DREW BREES QUARTERBACK NEW ORLEANS SAINTS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 4,388 PASSING YARDS, 34 TDS, 11 INT WON THE SUPERBOWL YEAR OF COVER: EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: NA MADDEN 11 E NEL PLAYERS CURSE SCALE: AA INFO GRAPHIC WORLD THE MANDEN CUPSE IS T REAL? 1998 2011 ..... FANSIDED THE MADDEN CURSE 1998 1999 PlayStation. GARRISON HEARST RUNNING BACK SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,019 YARDSs RUSHING, 4 TDS 20 YEAR OF COVER: 1,570 YARDS RUSHING, 7 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: DESPITE A CAREER YEAR HE BROKE HIS MADDEN ANKLE IN A DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF GAME AGAINST THE ATLANTA FALCONS AND MISSED THE NEXT TWO SEASONS NEE 99 SPORTS SIDE FACT: FIRST PLAYER TO BE EXCLUSIVELY FEATURED ON A COVER GARRISON HEARST ON SELECT COVERS CUASE SCRLE: AAAAAAAAAA ........... THE MADDEN CURSE 1999-2000 PlayStation.2 BARRY SANDERS RUNNING BACK DETROIT LIONS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,491 YARDS RUSHING, 4 TDS YEAR OF COVER: SPORTS NO STATS AVAILABLE MADDEN CURSE ARGUMENT: SHOCKINGLY RETIRES BEFORE TRAINING CAMP IN THE PRIME OF HIS CAREER, WHILE CHASING THE ALL-TIME RUSHING RECORD. 2000 * SIDE FACT: SANDERS RETIRED WITH 15,269 RUSHING YARDS. * SANDERS PICTURED NEXT TO MADDEN 4 CUASE SCALE: THE MADDEN CURSE 2000 2001 PlayStation.2 EDDIE GEORGE RUNNING BACK TENNESSEE TITANS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,304 YARDS RUSHING, 9 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 1,509 YARDS RUSHING, 14 TDS EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: COSTLY FUMBLE IN THE PLAYOFFS THAT MADDEN HELPED LEAD TO A LOSS FOR THE TITANS * SIDE FACT: GEORGE RETIRED WITH 38 CAREER FUMBLES 2001 1/2 CURSE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2001-2002 PlayStation.2 DAUNTE CULPEPPER QUARTERBACK MINNESOTA VIKINGS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 3,937 YARDS PASSING, 33 TDS, 16 INT (11-5 RECORD As A STARTER) YEAR OF COVER: 2,612 YARDS PASSING, 14 TDS, 13 INT (4-7 RECORD AS A STARTER) EA SPORTS MADDEN CURSE ARGUMENT: CULPEPPER SUFFERED A SEASON ENDING KNEE INJURY AMIDST A POOR SEASON. 2002 CUASE SCALE: AAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2002 2009 MARSHALL FAULK RUNNING BACK ST. LOUIS RAMS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,382 YARDS RUSHING, 12 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 953 YARDS RUSHING, 8 TDS SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: HIS WORST SEASON SINCE 96. RAMS MADDEN GO FROM A RECcORD OF 14-2 TO 7-9, MISSING THE PLAYOFFS. FAULK NEVER RUSHED FOR OVER 1,000 IN A SEASON AGAIN. 廊 2003 *SIDE FACT: FAULK RETIRED WITH 19,154 TOTAL YARDS FROM SCRIMMAGE. 6 CURSE SCRLE: AAAAAAAÂAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2009-2004 PlayStation.2 MICHAEL VICK QUARTERBACK ATLANTA FALCONS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 2,936 YARDS PASSING, 16 TDS 777 YARDS RUSHING, 8 TDS (8-6-1 RECORD) EA YEAR OF COVER: 585 YARDS PASSING, 1 TD 255 YARDS RUSHING, 1 TDS (3-1 RECORD) SPORTS MADDEN 2004 3 CURSE ARGUMENT: VICK FRACTURED FIBULA 1 DAY AFTER MADDEN 2004 WAS RELEASED. HE MISSED 11 GAMES THAT YEAR CURSE SCALE: AA AAA ............ THE MADDEN CURSE 2004 2005 RAY LEWIS LINE BACKER BALTIMORE RAVENS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 121 TACKLES, 6 INT, 2 FUMBLES RECOVERED YEAR OF COVER: 101 TACKLES, O INT, 2 FUMBLES RECOVERED EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: BROKEN WRIST AND MISSED ONE GAME BECAUSE OF IT. 2005 WAS ALSO THE FIRST SEASON TO THAT POINT MADDEN THAT HE DIDN'T RECORD AT LEAST ONE INTERCEPTION. 2005 * SIDE FACT: FIRST DEFENSIVE PLAYER TO BE FEATURED ON THE COVER 3 2 CURSE SCALE: ΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΑ THE MADDEN CURSE 2005-2006 DONOVAN MCNABB QUARTERBACK PHILADELPHIA EAGLES YEAR BEFORE COVER: 3,875 YARDS PASSING, 31 TDS, 8 INT (IN 14 GMS) YEAR OF COVER: 2,507 YARDS PASSING, 16 TDS, 9 INT (IN 9 GMS) CURSE ARGUMENT: SUFFERED A SPORTS HERNIA IN THE SPORTS SEASON OPENER WHICH EVENTUALLY REQUIRED SURGERY. FINALLY A GROIN INJURY IN THE 10TH GAME ENDED HIS SEASON. HE HAD BEEN IN 5 PREVIOUS PRO BOWLS BUT HAS NOT RETURNED SINCE. MADDEN06 * SIDE FACT: WAS QUOTED SAYING "IT MIGHT BE A TREND, BUT I DON'T BELIEVE IN THE CURSE AT ALL" 3 PAL CURSE SCALE: AA AAA .......... THE MADDEN CURSE 2006-2007 SHAUN ALEXANDER RUNNING BACK SEATTLE SEAHAWKS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,880 RUSHING YARDS, 27 TDS (BROKE TD RECORD THAT YEAR) WON THE MVP YEAR OF COVER: 896 RUSHING YARDS, 7 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: BROKE FOOT IN GAME 3, MISSED 6 STARTS. FELL BELOW THE 1,000 RUSHING YARD MARK FOR THE ARST TIME SINCE MADDENS07 HIS ROOKIE YEAR SIDE FACT: HE WAS QUOTED AS SAYING "I DONT BELIEVE IN CURSES" 3- PLATER CUASE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2007 2008 VINCE YOUNG QUARTERBACK TENNESSEE TITANS YEAR BEFORE ÇOVER: 2,199 PASSING YARDS, 12 TDS, 13 INT (8-5 RECORD YEAR OF COVER: 2,546 PASSING YARDS, 9 TDS, 17 INT (8-5 RECORD) SPORTS MADDEN NFE 08 CURSE ARGUMENT: MISSED 1 GAME, ALMOST 2:1 INT:TD RATIO 3- 1/2 CUASE SCALE: THE MADDEN CURSE 2008-2009 BRETT FAVRE QUARTERBACK NEW YORK JETS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 4.155 PASSING YARDS, 28 TDS, 15 INT (13-3 RECORD) YEAR OF COVER: 3,472 PASSING YARDS, 22 TDS, 22 INT 19-7 RECORDI SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: FAVRE LED THE JETS TO AN 8-3 START, ONLY TO INJURE HIS THROWING ARM LEADNNG TO A COLLAPSE IN THE FINAL 5 MADDEN09 GAMES TO MISS THE PLAYOFFS. * SIDE FACT: RETIRED AFTER '07, SELECTED FOR COVER, THEN UNRETIRED AND TRADED TO JETS MEL PLAYERS 52 CUASE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA ................ THE MADDEN CURSE 2009-2010 XBOX 360 LVE LARRY FITZGERALD WIDE RECEIVER ARIZONA CARDINALS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,431 RECEIVING YARDS, 12 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 1,092 RECEIVING YARDS, 13 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: NA MADDEN 10 RP NEL PLAYERS CURSE SCALE: AA THE MADDEN CURSE 2009 2010 ХВОХ 360 LIVE TROY POLAMALU FREE SAFETY PITTSBURG STEELERS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 54 TACKLES, 7 INT (16 GAMES) YEAR OF COVER: 1 TACKLES, 3 INT (5 GAMES) CURSE ARGUMENT: SPRAINED LIGAMENTS IN HIS KNEE DURING MADDEN 10 THE 1ST GAME, THEN AFTER SITTING ON THE SIDELINES, INJURED AGAIN IN WEEK 10. PLAYED ONLY 5 OF THE 16 GAMES. HAD 2 SEPARATE MAJOR INJURIES IN 1 SEASON. RP NI PLAYERS 8 '2 CURSE SCRLE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2010 2011 . .. XBOX 360 LIVE DREW BREES QUARTERBACK NEW ORLEANS SAINTS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 4,388 PASSING YARDS, 34 TDS, 11 INT WON THE SUPERBOWL YEAR OF COVER: EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: NA MADDEN 11 E NEL PLAYERS CURSE SCALE: AA INFO GRAPHIC WORLD THE MANDEN CUPSE IS T REAL? 1998 2011 ..... FANSIDED THE MADDEN CURSE 1998 1999 PlayStation. GARRISON HEARST RUNNING BACK SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,019 YARDSs RUSHING, 4 TDS 20 YEAR OF COVER: 1,570 YARDS RUSHING, 7 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: DESPITE A CAREER YEAR HE BROKE HIS MADDEN ANKLE IN A DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF GAME AGAINST THE ATLANTA FALCONS AND MISSED THE NEXT TWO SEASONS NEE 99 SPORTS SIDE FACT: FIRST PLAYER TO BE EXCLUSIVELY FEATURED ON A COVER GARRISON HEARST ON SELECT COVERS CUASE SCRLE: AAAAAAAAAA ........... THE MADDEN CURSE 1999-2000 PlayStation.2 BARRY SANDERS RUNNING BACK DETROIT LIONS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,491 YARDS RUSHING, 4 TDS YEAR OF COVER: SPORTS NO STATS AVAILABLE MADDEN CURSE ARGUMENT: SHOCKINGLY RETIRES BEFORE TRAINING CAMP IN THE PRIME OF HIS CAREER, WHILE CHASING THE ALL-TIME RUSHING RECORD. 2000 * SIDE FACT: SANDERS RETIRED WITH 15,269 RUSHING YARDS. * SANDERS PICTURED NEXT TO MADDEN 4 CUASE SCALE: THE MADDEN CURSE 2000 2001 PlayStation.2 EDDIE GEORGE RUNNING BACK TENNESSEE TITANS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,304 YARDS RUSHING, 9 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 1,509 YARDS RUSHING, 14 TDS EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: COSTLY FUMBLE IN THE PLAYOFFS THAT MADDEN HELPED LEAD TO A LOSS FOR THE TITANS * SIDE FACT: GEORGE RETIRED WITH 38 CAREER FUMBLES 2001 1/2 CURSE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2001-2002 PlayStation.2 DAUNTE CULPEPPER QUARTERBACK MINNESOTA VIKINGS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 3,937 YARDS PASSING, 33 TDS, 16 INT (11-5 RECORD As A STARTER) YEAR OF COVER: 2,612 YARDS PASSING, 14 TDS, 13 INT (4-7 RECORD AS A STARTER) EA SPORTS MADDEN CURSE ARGUMENT: CULPEPPER SUFFERED A SEASON ENDING KNEE INJURY AMIDST A POOR SEASON. 2002 CUASE SCALE: AAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2002 2009 MARSHALL FAULK RUNNING BACK ST. LOUIS RAMS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,382 YARDS RUSHING, 12 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 953 YARDS RUSHING, 8 TDS SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: HIS WORST SEASON SINCE 96. RAMS MADDEN GO FROM A RECcORD OF 14-2 TO 7-9, MISSING THE PLAYOFFS. FAULK NEVER RUSHED FOR OVER 1,000 IN A SEASON AGAIN. 廊 2003 *SIDE FACT: FAULK RETIRED WITH 19,154 TOTAL YARDS FROM SCRIMMAGE. 6 CURSE SCRLE: AAAAAAAÂAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2009-2004 PlayStation.2 MICHAEL VICK QUARTERBACK ATLANTA FALCONS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 2,936 YARDS PASSING, 16 TDS 777 YARDS RUSHING, 8 TDS (8-6-1 RECORD) EA YEAR OF COVER: 585 YARDS PASSING, 1 TD 255 YARDS RUSHING, 1 TDS (3-1 RECORD) SPORTS MADDEN 2004 3 CURSE ARGUMENT: VICK FRACTURED FIBULA 1 DAY AFTER MADDEN 2004 WAS RELEASED. HE MISSED 11 GAMES THAT YEAR CURSE SCALE: AA AAA ............ THE MADDEN CURSE 2004 2005 RAY LEWIS LINE BACKER BALTIMORE RAVENS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 121 TACKLES, 6 INT, 2 FUMBLES RECOVERED YEAR OF COVER: 101 TACKLES, O INT, 2 FUMBLES RECOVERED EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: BROKEN WRIST AND MISSED ONE GAME BECAUSE OF IT. 2005 WAS ALSO THE FIRST SEASON TO THAT POINT MADDEN THAT HE DIDN'T RECORD AT LEAST ONE INTERCEPTION. 2005 * SIDE FACT: FIRST DEFENSIVE PLAYER TO BE FEATURED ON THE COVER 3 2 CURSE SCALE: ΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΑ THE MADDEN CURSE 2005-2006 DONOVAN MCNABB QUARTERBACK PHILADELPHIA EAGLES YEAR BEFORE COVER: 3,875 YARDS PASSING, 31 TDS, 8 INT (IN 14 GMS) YEAR OF COVER: 2,507 YARDS PASSING, 16 TDS, 9 INT (IN 9 GMS) CURSE ARGUMENT: SUFFERED A SPORTS HERNIA IN THE SPORTS SEASON OPENER WHICH EVENTUALLY REQUIRED SURGERY. FINALLY A GROIN INJURY IN THE 10TH GAME ENDED HIS SEASON. HE HAD BEEN IN 5 PREVIOUS PRO BOWLS BUT HAS NOT RETURNED SINCE. MADDEN06 * SIDE FACT: WAS QUOTED SAYING "IT MIGHT BE A TREND, BUT I DON'T BELIEVE IN THE CURSE AT ALL" 3 PAL CURSE SCALE: AA AAA .......... THE MADDEN CURSE 2006-2007 SHAUN ALEXANDER RUNNING BACK SEATTLE SEAHAWKS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,880 RUSHING YARDS, 27 TDS (BROKE TD RECORD THAT YEAR) WON THE MVP YEAR OF COVER: 896 RUSHING YARDS, 7 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: BROKE FOOT IN GAME 3, MISSED 6 STARTS. FELL BELOW THE 1,000 RUSHING YARD MARK FOR THE ARST TIME SINCE MADDENS07 HIS ROOKIE YEAR SIDE FACT: HE WAS QUOTED AS SAYING "I DONT BELIEVE IN CURSES" 3- PLATER CUASE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2007 2008 VINCE YOUNG QUARTERBACK TENNESSEE TITANS YEAR BEFORE ÇOVER: 2,199 PASSING YARDS, 12 TDS, 13 INT (8-5 RECORD YEAR OF COVER: 2,546 PASSING YARDS, 9 TDS, 17 INT (8-5 RECORD) SPORTS MADDEN NFE 08 CURSE ARGUMENT: MISSED 1 GAME, ALMOST 2:1 INT:TD RATIO 3- 1/2 CUASE SCALE: THE MADDEN CURSE 2008-2009 BRETT FAVRE QUARTERBACK NEW YORK JETS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 4.155 PASSING YARDS, 28 TDS, 15 INT (13-3 RECORD) YEAR OF COVER: 3,472 PASSING YARDS, 22 TDS, 22 INT 19-7 RECORDI SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: FAVRE LED THE JETS TO AN 8-3 START, ONLY TO INJURE HIS THROWING ARM LEADNNG TO A COLLAPSE IN THE FINAL 5 MADDEN09 GAMES TO MISS THE PLAYOFFS. * SIDE FACT: RETIRED AFTER '07, SELECTED FOR COVER, THEN UNRETIRED AND TRADED TO JETS MEL PLAYERS 52 CUASE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA ................ THE MADDEN CURSE 2009-2010 XBOX 360 LVE LARRY FITZGERALD WIDE RECEIVER ARIZONA CARDINALS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,431 RECEIVING YARDS, 12 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 1,092 RECEIVING YARDS, 13 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: NA MADDEN 10 RP NEL PLAYERS CURSE SCALE: AA THE MADDEN CURSE 2009 2010 ХВОХ 360 LIVE TROY POLAMALU FREE SAFETY PITTSBURG STEELERS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 54 TACKLES, 7 INT (16 GAMES) YEAR OF COVER: 1 TACKLES, 3 INT (5 GAMES) CURSE ARGUMENT: SPRAINED LIGAMENTS IN HIS KNEE DURING MADDEN 10 THE 1ST GAME, THEN AFTER SITTING ON THE SIDELINES, INJURED AGAIN IN WEEK 10. PLAYED ONLY 5 OF THE 16 GAMES. HAD 2 SEPARATE MAJOR INJURIES IN 1 SEASON. RP NI PLAYERS 8 '2 CURSE SCRLE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2010 2011 . .. XBOX 360 LIVE DREW BREES QUARTERBACK NEW ORLEANS SAINTS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 4,388 PASSING YARDS, 34 TDS, 11 INT WON THE SUPERBOWL YEAR OF COVER: EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: NA MADDEN 11 E NEL PLAYERS CURSE SCALE: AA INFO GRAPHIC WORLD THE MANDEN CUPSE IS T REAL? 1998 2011 ..... FANSIDED THE MADDEN CURSE 1998 1999 PlayStation. GARRISON HEARST RUNNING BACK SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,019 YARDSs RUSHING, 4 TDS 20 YEAR OF COVER: 1,570 YARDS RUSHING, 7 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: DESPITE A CAREER YEAR HE BROKE HIS MADDEN ANKLE IN A DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF GAME AGAINST THE ATLANTA FALCONS AND MISSED THE NEXT TWO SEASONS NEE 99 SPORTS SIDE FACT: FIRST PLAYER TO BE EXCLUSIVELY FEATURED ON A COVER GARRISON HEARST ON SELECT COVERS CUASE SCRLE: AAAAAAAAAA ........... THE MADDEN CURSE 1999-2000 PlayStation.2 BARRY SANDERS RUNNING BACK DETROIT LIONS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,491 YARDS RUSHING, 4 TDS YEAR OF COVER: SPORTS NO STATS AVAILABLE MADDEN CURSE ARGUMENT: SHOCKINGLY RETIRES BEFORE TRAINING CAMP IN THE PRIME OF HIS CAREER, WHILE CHASING THE ALL-TIME RUSHING RECORD. 2000 * SIDE FACT: SANDERS RETIRED WITH 15,269 RUSHING YARDS. * SANDERS PICTURED NEXT TO MADDEN 4 CUASE SCALE: THE MADDEN CURSE 2000 2001 PlayStation.2 EDDIE GEORGE RUNNING BACK TENNESSEE TITANS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,304 YARDS RUSHING, 9 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 1,509 YARDS RUSHING, 14 TDS EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: COSTLY FUMBLE IN THE PLAYOFFS THAT MADDEN HELPED LEAD TO A LOSS FOR THE TITANS * SIDE FACT: GEORGE RETIRED WITH 38 CAREER FUMBLES 2001 1/2 CURSE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2001-2002 PlayStation.2 DAUNTE CULPEPPER QUARTERBACK MINNESOTA VIKINGS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 3,937 YARDS PASSING, 33 TDS, 16 INT (11-5 RECORD As A STARTER) YEAR OF COVER: 2,612 YARDS PASSING, 14 TDS, 13 INT (4-7 RECORD AS A STARTER) EA SPORTS MADDEN CURSE ARGUMENT: CULPEPPER SUFFERED A SEASON ENDING KNEE INJURY AMIDST A POOR SEASON. 2002 CUASE SCALE: AAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2002 2009 MARSHALL FAULK RUNNING BACK ST. LOUIS RAMS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,382 YARDS RUSHING, 12 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 953 YARDS RUSHING, 8 TDS SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: HIS WORST SEASON SINCE 96. RAMS MADDEN GO FROM A RECcORD OF 14-2 TO 7-9, MISSING THE PLAYOFFS. FAULK NEVER RUSHED FOR OVER 1,000 IN A SEASON AGAIN. 廊 2003 *SIDE FACT: FAULK RETIRED WITH 19,154 TOTAL YARDS FROM SCRIMMAGE. 6 CURSE SCRLE: AAAAAAAÂAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2009-2004 PlayStation.2 MICHAEL VICK QUARTERBACK ATLANTA FALCONS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 2,936 YARDS PASSING, 16 TDS 777 YARDS RUSHING, 8 TDS (8-6-1 RECORD) EA YEAR OF COVER: 585 YARDS PASSING, 1 TD 255 YARDS RUSHING, 1 TDS (3-1 RECORD) SPORTS MADDEN 2004 3 CURSE ARGUMENT: VICK FRACTURED FIBULA 1 DAY AFTER MADDEN 2004 WAS RELEASED. HE MISSED 11 GAMES THAT YEAR CURSE SCALE: AA AAA ............ THE MADDEN CURSE 2004 2005 RAY LEWIS LINE BACKER BALTIMORE RAVENS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 121 TACKLES, 6 INT, 2 FUMBLES RECOVERED YEAR OF COVER: 101 TACKLES, O INT, 2 FUMBLES RECOVERED EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: BROKEN WRIST AND MISSED ONE GAME BECAUSE OF IT. 2005 WAS ALSO THE FIRST SEASON TO THAT POINT MADDEN THAT HE DIDN'T RECORD AT LEAST ONE INTERCEPTION. 2005 * SIDE FACT: FIRST DEFENSIVE PLAYER TO BE FEATURED ON THE COVER 3 2 CURSE SCALE: ΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΑ THE MADDEN CURSE 2005-2006 DONOVAN MCNABB QUARTERBACK PHILADELPHIA EAGLES YEAR BEFORE COVER: 3,875 YARDS PASSING, 31 TDS, 8 INT (IN 14 GMS) YEAR OF COVER: 2,507 YARDS PASSING, 16 TDS, 9 INT (IN 9 GMS) CURSE ARGUMENT: SUFFERED A SPORTS HERNIA IN THE SPORTS SEASON OPENER WHICH EVENTUALLY REQUIRED SURGERY. FINALLY A GROIN INJURY IN THE 10TH GAME ENDED HIS SEASON. HE HAD BEEN IN 5 PREVIOUS PRO BOWLS BUT HAS NOT RETURNED SINCE. MADDEN06 * SIDE FACT: WAS QUOTED SAYING "IT MIGHT BE A TREND, BUT I DON'T BELIEVE IN THE CURSE AT ALL" 3 PAL CURSE SCALE: AA AAA .......... THE MADDEN CURSE 2006-2007 SHAUN ALEXANDER RUNNING BACK SEATTLE SEAHAWKS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,880 RUSHING YARDS, 27 TDS (BROKE TD RECORD THAT YEAR) WON THE MVP YEAR OF COVER: 896 RUSHING YARDS, 7 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: BROKE FOOT IN GAME 3, MISSED 6 STARTS. FELL BELOW THE 1,000 RUSHING YARD MARK FOR THE ARST TIME SINCE MADDENS07 HIS ROOKIE YEAR SIDE FACT: HE WAS QUOTED AS SAYING "I DONT BELIEVE IN CURSES" 3- PLATER CUASE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2007 2008 VINCE YOUNG QUARTERBACK TENNESSEE TITANS YEAR BEFORE ÇOVER: 2,199 PASSING YARDS, 12 TDS, 13 INT (8-5 RECORD YEAR OF COVER: 2,546 PASSING YARDS, 9 TDS, 17 INT (8-5 RECORD) SPORTS MADDEN NFE 08 CURSE ARGUMENT: MISSED 1 GAME, ALMOST 2:1 INT:TD RATIO 3- 1/2 CUASE SCALE: THE MADDEN CURSE 2008-2009 BRETT FAVRE QUARTERBACK NEW YORK JETS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 4.155 PASSING YARDS, 28 TDS, 15 INT (13-3 RECORD) YEAR OF COVER: 3,472 PASSING YARDS, 22 TDS, 22 INT 19-7 RECORDI SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: FAVRE LED THE JETS TO AN 8-3 START, ONLY TO INJURE HIS THROWING ARM LEADNNG TO A COLLAPSE IN THE FINAL 5 MADDEN09 GAMES TO MISS THE PLAYOFFS. * SIDE FACT: RETIRED AFTER '07, SELECTED FOR COVER, THEN UNRETIRED AND TRADED TO JETS MEL PLAYERS 52 CUASE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA ................ THE MADDEN CURSE 2009-2010 XBOX 360 LVE LARRY FITZGERALD WIDE RECEIVER ARIZONA CARDINALS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,431 RECEIVING YARDS, 12 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 1,092 RECEIVING YARDS, 13 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: NA MADDEN 10 RP NEL PLAYERS CURSE SCALE: AA THE MADDEN CURSE 2009 2010 ХВОХ 360 LIVE TROY POLAMALU FREE SAFETY PITTSBURG STEELERS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 54 TACKLES, 7 INT (16 GAMES) YEAR OF COVER: 1 TACKLES, 3 INT (5 GAMES) CURSE ARGUMENT: SPRAINED LIGAMENTS IN HIS KNEE DURING MADDEN 10 THE 1ST GAME, THEN AFTER SITTING ON THE SIDELINES, INJURED AGAIN IN WEEK 10. PLAYED ONLY 5 OF THE 16 GAMES. HAD 2 SEPARATE MAJOR INJURIES IN 1 SEASON. RP NI PLAYERS 8 '2 CURSE SCRLE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2010 2011 . .. XBOX 360 LIVE DREW BREES QUARTERBACK NEW ORLEANS SAINTS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 4,388 PASSING YARDS, 34 TDS, 11 INT WON THE SUPERBOWL YEAR OF COVER: EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: NA MADDEN 11 E NEL PLAYERS CURSE SCALE: AA INFO GRAPHIC WORLD THE MANDEN CUPSE IS T REAL? 1998 2011 ..... FANSIDED THE MADDEN CURSE 1998 1999 PlayStation. GARRISON HEARST RUNNING BACK SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,019 YARDSs RUSHING, 4 TDS 20 YEAR OF COVER: 1,570 YARDS RUSHING, 7 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: DESPITE A CAREER YEAR HE BROKE HIS MADDEN ANKLE IN A DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF GAME AGAINST THE ATLANTA FALCONS AND MISSED THE NEXT TWO SEASONS NEE 99 SPORTS SIDE FACT: FIRST PLAYER TO BE EXCLUSIVELY FEATURED ON A COVER GARRISON HEARST ON SELECT COVERS CUASE SCRLE: AAAAAAAAAA ........... THE MADDEN CURSE 1999-2000 PlayStation.2 BARRY SANDERS RUNNING BACK DETROIT LIONS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,491 YARDS RUSHING, 4 TDS YEAR OF COVER: SPORTS NO STATS AVAILABLE MADDEN CURSE ARGUMENT: SHOCKINGLY RETIRES BEFORE TRAINING CAMP IN THE PRIME OF HIS CAREER, WHILE CHASING THE ALL-TIME RUSHING RECORD. 2000 * SIDE FACT: SANDERS RETIRED WITH 15,269 RUSHING YARDS. * SANDERS PICTURED NEXT TO MADDEN 4 CUASE SCALE: THE MADDEN CURSE 2000 2001 PlayStation.2 EDDIE GEORGE RUNNING BACK TENNESSEE TITANS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,304 YARDS RUSHING, 9 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 1,509 YARDS RUSHING, 14 TDS EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: COSTLY FUMBLE IN THE PLAYOFFS THAT MADDEN HELPED LEAD TO A LOSS FOR THE TITANS * SIDE FACT: GEORGE RETIRED WITH 38 CAREER FUMBLES 2001 1/2 CURSE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2001-2002 PlayStation.2 DAUNTE CULPEPPER QUARTERBACK MINNESOTA VIKINGS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 3,937 YARDS PASSING, 33 TDS, 16 INT (11-5 RECORD As A STARTER) YEAR OF COVER: 2,612 YARDS PASSING, 14 TDS, 13 INT (4-7 RECORD AS A STARTER) EA SPORTS MADDEN CURSE ARGUMENT: CULPEPPER SUFFERED A SEASON ENDING KNEE INJURY AMIDST A POOR SEASON. 2002 CUASE SCALE: AAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2002 2009 MARSHALL FAULK RUNNING BACK ST. LOUIS RAMS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,382 YARDS RUSHING, 12 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 953 YARDS RUSHING, 8 TDS SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: HIS WORST SEASON SINCE 96. RAMS MADDEN GO FROM A RECcORD OF 14-2 TO 7-9, MISSING THE PLAYOFFS. FAULK NEVER RUSHED FOR OVER 1,000 IN A SEASON AGAIN. 廊 2003 *SIDE FACT: FAULK RETIRED WITH 19,154 TOTAL YARDS FROM SCRIMMAGE. 6 CURSE SCRLE: AAAAAAAÂAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2009-2004 PlayStation.2 MICHAEL VICK QUARTERBACK ATLANTA FALCONS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 2,936 YARDS PASSING, 16 TDS 777 YARDS RUSHING, 8 TDS (8-6-1 RECORD) EA YEAR OF COVER: 585 YARDS PASSING, 1 TD 255 YARDS RUSHING, 1 TDS (3-1 RECORD) SPORTS MADDEN 2004 3 CURSE ARGUMENT: VICK FRACTURED FIBULA 1 DAY AFTER MADDEN 2004 WAS RELEASED. HE MISSED 11 GAMES THAT YEAR CURSE SCALE: AA AAA ............ THE MADDEN CURSE 2004 2005 RAY LEWIS LINE BACKER BALTIMORE RAVENS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 121 TACKLES, 6 INT, 2 FUMBLES RECOVERED YEAR OF COVER: 101 TACKLES, O INT, 2 FUMBLES RECOVERED EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: BROKEN WRIST AND MISSED ONE GAME BECAUSE OF IT. 2005 WAS ALSO THE FIRST SEASON TO THAT POINT MADDEN THAT HE DIDN'T RECORD AT LEAST ONE INTERCEPTION. 2005 * SIDE FACT: FIRST DEFENSIVE PLAYER TO BE FEATURED ON THE COVER 3 2 CURSE SCALE: ΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΔΑ THE MADDEN CURSE 2005-2006 DONOVAN MCNABB QUARTERBACK PHILADELPHIA EAGLES YEAR BEFORE COVER: 3,875 YARDS PASSING, 31 TDS, 8 INT (IN 14 GMS) YEAR OF COVER: 2,507 YARDS PASSING, 16 TDS, 9 INT (IN 9 GMS) CURSE ARGUMENT: SUFFERED A SPORTS HERNIA IN THE SPORTS SEASON OPENER WHICH EVENTUALLY REQUIRED SURGERY. FINALLY A GROIN INJURY IN THE 10TH GAME ENDED HIS SEASON. HE HAD BEEN IN 5 PREVIOUS PRO BOWLS BUT HAS NOT RETURNED SINCE. MADDEN06 * SIDE FACT: WAS QUOTED SAYING "IT MIGHT BE A TREND, BUT I DON'T BELIEVE IN THE CURSE AT ALL" 3 PAL CURSE SCALE: AA AAA .......... THE MADDEN CURSE 2006-2007 SHAUN ALEXANDER RUNNING BACK SEATTLE SEAHAWKS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,880 RUSHING YARDS, 27 TDS (BROKE TD RECORD THAT YEAR) WON THE MVP YEAR OF COVER: 896 RUSHING YARDS, 7 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: BROKE FOOT IN GAME 3, MISSED 6 STARTS. FELL BELOW THE 1,000 RUSHING YARD MARK FOR THE ARST TIME SINCE MADDENS07 HIS ROOKIE YEAR SIDE FACT: HE WAS QUOTED AS SAYING "I DONT BELIEVE IN CURSES" 3- PLATER CUASE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2007 2008 VINCE YOUNG QUARTERBACK TENNESSEE TITANS YEAR BEFORE ÇOVER: 2,199 PASSING YARDS, 12 TDS, 13 INT (8-5 RECORD YEAR OF COVER: 2,546 PASSING YARDS, 9 TDS, 17 INT (8-5 RECORD) SPORTS MADDEN NFE 08 CURSE ARGUMENT: MISSED 1 GAME, ALMOST 2:1 INT:TD RATIO 3- 1/2 CUASE SCALE: THE MADDEN CURSE 2008-2009 BRETT FAVRE QUARTERBACK NEW YORK JETS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 4.155 PASSING YARDS, 28 TDS, 15 INT (13-3 RECORD) YEAR OF COVER: 3,472 PASSING YARDS, 22 TDS, 22 INT 19-7 RECORDI SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: FAVRE LED THE JETS TO AN 8-3 START, ONLY TO INJURE HIS THROWING ARM LEADNNG TO A COLLAPSE IN THE FINAL 5 MADDEN09 GAMES TO MISS THE PLAYOFFS. * SIDE FACT: RETIRED AFTER '07, SELECTED FOR COVER, THEN UNRETIRED AND TRADED TO JETS MEL PLAYERS 52 CUASE SCALE: AAAAAAAAAA ................ THE MADDEN CURSE 2009-2010 XBOX 360 LVE LARRY FITZGERALD WIDE RECEIVER ARIZONA CARDINALS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 1,431 RECEIVING YARDS, 12 TDS YEAR OF COVER: 1,092 RECEIVING YARDS, 13 TDS CURSE ARGUMENT: NA MADDEN 10 RP NEL PLAYERS CURSE SCALE: AA THE MADDEN CURSE 2009 2010 ХВОХ 360 LIVE TROY POLAMALU FREE SAFETY PITTSBURG STEELERS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 54 TACKLES, 7 INT (16 GAMES) YEAR OF COVER: 1 TACKLES, 3 INT (5 GAMES) CURSE ARGUMENT: SPRAINED LIGAMENTS IN HIS KNEE DURING MADDEN 10 THE 1ST GAME, THEN AFTER SITTING ON THE SIDELINES, INJURED AGAIN IN WEEK 10. PLAYED ONLY 5 OF THE 16 GAMES. HAD 2 SEPARATE MAJOR INJURIES IN 1 SEASON. RP NI PLAYERS 8 '2 CURSE SCRLE: AAAAAAAAAA THE MADDEN CURSE 2010 2011 . .. XBOX 360 LIVE DREW BREES QUARTERBACK NEW ORLEANS SAINTS YEAR BEFORE COVER: 4,388 PASSING YARDS, 34 TDS, 11 INT WON THE SUPERBOWL YEAR OF COVER: EA SPORTS CURSE ARGUMENT: NA MADDEN 11 E NEL PLAYERS CURSE SCALE: AA INFO GRAPHIC WORLD