Who Will Be the Next Lion to Grace the Cover of Madden?
It is probably safe to assume that the majority of Detroit Lions fans are not going to be really excited about seeing Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams on the cover of Madden NFL 2027. After an exciting season in 2025, Williams landed the cover spot. And while I don’t love it, I can understand the reasoning behind the choice.
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. There was a period when 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.
That brings us to today’s question: Who do you think will be the next Lions player to be on the cover of a future Madden game?
The Case for Jahmyr Gibbs
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.
The math here is pretty straightforward. Elite talent plus expanded role plus improved supporting cast equals breakout season. And breakout seasons get you on Madden covers.
Think we’re finally getting another Lion on that cover or are we cursed to watch division rivals collect all the glory? Drop your prediction below.
Gibbs is gonna be nasty this year, no cap. Dan Campbell knows how to use him and if that o-line holds up, we’re looking at someone who could legitimately compete for OPOY. Madden cover is totally on the table and honestly it’d feel good to see a Lion up there again after watching other teams get all the love.
I want to believe in Gibbs having a monster year, but I’ve learned not to get too hyped on these predictions. The o-line has to actually stay healthy and gel quickly, which never seems to happen for us. Hope I’m wrong though.
Man, going back to back with Megatron and Sanders on those covers was something special. We had real glory days there for a minute. This new regime actually feels like they’re building something right, and if Gibbs can put together the kind of season people are talking about, getting back on that cover wouldn’t shock me at all.
I love the optimism about Gibbs but honestly I’m holding out for Sewell to get his due someday. That dude is a monster and he deserves recognition. Either way, it’s nice to actually feel like our guys have a legit shot at being the face of something again.