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Caleb Williams will be on the cover of this year’s edition of the Madden NFL video game.
“Madden NFL 27” will feature a shot of what has become the Chicago Bears quarterback’s signature play: a wild throw.
Williams’ shot mimics his remarkable fourth-and-8 pass to Rome Odunze against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card round that helped the Bears secure the victory.
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Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on January 10, 2026. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Williams is the first Bears player to appear on the cover.
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“When I got the call from Madden, it was like my childhood dream came true. Being on the cover of ‘Madden NFL 27’ is coming full circle,” Williams said via ESPN.
“I grew up playing Madden and imagining what it would be like to be a part of the game. I know fans will love what’s new in this year’s game, and I can’t wait to reach 99 by the end of the season.”
“Caleb Williams is the true face of the franchise – the culmination of many moments in the Chicago Bears’ incredible history that led them to their electric, generational quarterback,” said Evan Dexter, EA Sports vice president of franchise strategy and marketing. “Madden NFL 27 aims to put more of the critical moments and key management decisions, with meaningful consequences that resonate throughout the NFL, in the hands of our players so they can build a league that is truly their own. Just like Caleb, the future of football in ‘Madden NFL 27’ is exciting and more dynamic than ever.”
Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after an NFL playoff game against the Green Bay Packers in Chicago on January 10, 2026. (Erin Hooley/AP)
The 2024 No. 1 overall pick is entering a pivotal third season after starting to live up to his draft pick last season, so Bears fans would surely like their quarterback to avoid the “crazy curse.”
Earlier in the 21st century, the game’s cover athletes often experienced tumultuous seasons immediately afterward. Dante Culpepper (2001), Donovan McNabb (2006), Shaun Alexander (2007), and Vince Young (2008) are some of the most notable examples.
The curse has been lifted in recent years, but in 2024, when Christian McCaffrey made the cover, he only played four games. Saquon Barkley was on the cover last year after posting a 2,000-yard season during his Super Bowl campaign, but he also took a step back.
Williams is still looking to become the first Bears quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards, but his 3,942 yards last year were the most in franchise history. He threw 27 touchdowns against just seven interceptions while scoring three more.
Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears runs away from Lukas van Ness of the Green Bay Packers during the second half of an NFL game in Chicago on December 20, 2025. (Nam Huh/AP)
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The game will be released on August 13.
