Madden NFL 22 is mixing it up this year. In addition to some much-needed improvements to Madden's Franchise Mode, the game also looks to stand out from prior entries in one other key way: By having double the star power on this year's cover.
For only the second time in Madden history, two players will share the honor of being the Madden NFL cover athlete. The selected players—Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes—are perhaps two of the most celebrated quarterbacks in the game right now, and their successful careers showcase why they're both deserving of being on the cover of Madden NFL 22.
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Tom Brady might be the most recognizable name in American sports; many love him, but there are just as many who hate him. Regardless of one's feelings, there's no denying the success Brady has seen throughout his career. Through 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, Brady won six Super Bowls with the team, resulting in the Patriots tying the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl victories by any NFL team.
Brady then shocked the world in early 2020 when he announced he would be leaving the Patriots and signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 43-year-old quarterback's first year with the team ended with yet another Super Bowl win—his seventh to date. He currently holds the record for most Super Bowl victories by a single player, and that's just one of many feats the all-star quarterback has accrued throughout his career.
Historically, Brady has been a tour de force when it comes to the NFL postseason; his playoff performance is nothing short of dominating. In 21 seasons, he's been to the playoffs 18 times and has reached the Super Bowl on 10 of those trips. His consistent, quality play is made all the more impressive considering his age. He's 43, soon to be 44 this year, and the NFL quarterback has hinted before that he won't hang up his jersey until he's at least 45.
Madden NFL 22 won't be the first time Brady has appeared on a Madden cover. He was previously the cover athlete for Madden NFL 18, however, the "Madden Curse" would mar Brady's subsequent Super Bowl appearance, as the Patriots came up short against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 52.
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Patrick Mahomes has only been in the NFL for a fraction of Brady's career, but he's wasted no time in climbing the ranks to be recognized as a superstar NFL quarterback. After seeing minimal playing time as a rookie, Mahomes' sophomore season was his breakout year. The young quarterback led the Kansas City Chiefs to a 12-4 record in the regular season, but ultimately fell to the Patriots—then helmed by Tom Brady—in the playoffs. Still, Mahomes' season was nothing to shake a stick at, as the then 24-year-old acquired numerous records, including NFL MVP for that season.
The following season, Kansas City pulled off another 12-4 record to advance to the playoffs yet again. Mahomes' play in the 2019-2020 NFL postseason was electrifying; one game against the Houston Texans saw Mahomes throw four touchdowns in a single quarter to help overcome a 24-point deficit. The Chiefs faced a similar struggle early in the 2020 Super Bowl, but ultimately came out on top thanks to some late-game heroics by Mahomes.
By winning a Super Bowl, Mahomes not only helped Kansas City get its first NFL championship in 50 years but also broke the Madden Curse. The superstar had been featured on the cover of Madden NFL 20 right before the season started, and overcame the sports superstition despite a serious knee injury earlier in the season.
Mahomes' career didn't start too long ago, but he plays like a seasoned vet. In his three years as a starting quarterback, he's led Kansas City to the playoffs three times, has played in two Super Bowl games, and won the grand prize once. He's also amassed an impressive amount of honors and records despite his short, ongoing career. Suffice to say, his NFL debut as a franchise quarterback has been nothing short of successful, and that success grouped with his raw talent is what makes him worthy of gracing not one, but two covers of the Madden NFL franchise.
Madden NFL 22 will launch on August 20 for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.