Madden NFL 23 Cover Star is None Other Than John Madden

EA Sports revealed the Madden NFL 23 cover star on June 1 and it is none other than the late, great John Madden.

Madden, a Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic coaches in football history, passed away last December at the age of 85. After his passing, the overwhelming consensus from football fans was that Madden should be the cover star once again honoring his legacy and his contributions to the sport. This is the first time Madden has been on the cover since Madden 2000.

"Today, June 1, is #MaddenDay, a special day that commemorates the very first launch of John Madden Football on June 1, 1988.  What better day to celebrate Coach Madden and his legendary career in sport and entertainment than the day he changed the gaming industry forever," EA Sports said in the announcement.

Madden NFL 23 Cover Star is None Other Than John Madden

EA Sports revealed three covers for the game all featuring Madden at different stages of his life. Each cover has the same added touch: "Thanks, Coach."

The All Madden cover features artwork from artist Chuck Styles highlighting him as the football icon, turned video game icon paying homage to the first John Madden Football cover. The two other covers highlight his career not only as a coach, but a broadcaster as well.

The first cover here features Madden in the broadcast booth with an awesome touch behind him of retro Madden titles.

The final cover features Madden from 1977 when he lifted the Super Bowl trophy against the Vikings at the Rose Bowl.

EA Sports rounded out the announcement with an update on 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 nonprofit organizations focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) education: College Track, Mission Bit, StreetCode Academy and Girls Who Code. These organizations 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," EA Sports said.

"The remaining $2.5 million of the John Madden Legacy Commitment to Education will go towards the creation of the EA Madden Scholarship in partnership with the UNCF, (United Negro College Fund), which will support students at 12 Historically Black Colleges and Universities to graduate college prepared for the next step in their career."

Madden NFL 23 will be revealed in full June 2.