Today, EA SPORTS has announced its cover athlete for the upcoming Madden NFL 27. While the College Football franchise continues to feature multiple players, and Madden has only done that once, there will be one player for both covers of this year's game. This player showed off his skills in unbelievable clutch fashion on national television in January during the playoffs. He ultimately came up short, but had one of the greatest passing plays of all time. Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who is now entering his third year in the league, will be on the cover of both the Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition of Madden NFL 27.
Why Caleb Williams was Selected
Caleb Williams was the most "Madden" player in the spotlight in 2025. He even ended Washington's playoff hopes with an insane Hail Mary that propelled the Bears and ended the Commanders. He was featured as the NFL Moment of the Year with a walk-off game-winning 46-yard touchdown pass in overtime against the Packers. Off the field, he is one of the most distinctive cultural presences while styling his own gameday looks complete with unique nail art throughout the season.
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Super Bowl Champion Saquan Barkley will be on the cover of two different editions of Madden NFL 26.
Williams will enter the season with a 90 overall rating in the game. He threw for just under 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2025. This set the Chicago Bears' single-season franchise record for passing yards. He would lead them to their first division title since 2018 and their first playoff victory in fifteen years. The Bears haven't had a stunning quarterback, really ever. Williams has immediately become the best the franchise has had, and it's been around for over 100 years.
“Being on the cover of Madden NFL 27 is my childhood dream come true, and to be the first Chicago Bears player to do it makes it even more special,” said Williams. “As a long-time Madden player, I know fans will love what’s new in this game and look forward to getting my rating up to a 99 by the end of the season.”
The Standard Edition of Madden NFL 27 will feature Caleb Williams doing that running throw from the playoff game. The skyline of Chicago is in the background to fully encompass everything about the fandom. The Deluxe Edition features snow and Williams doing the shiver pose, as he did on television during a game. Fans will get to experience all the information about Madden NFL 27 on Thursday, June 4. College Football 27 will also receive information that night, both of which will be on the official Madden YouTube channel.
Williams will enter the season with a 90 overall rating in the game.
More Information on Madden NFL 27
Players can get that information in just a few days on what to expect for this year. Members of EA Play can run the league, one decision at a time, in EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 starting on August 6 with a 10-hour early access trial. EA Play Pro members can play the EA Play Pro Edition starting on August 10. Members will get recurring monthly Ultimate Team Packs. They will also receive a 10% off MVP+ Membership, EA digital content including pre-orders, game downloads, Season Passes, Madden Football Points, and DLC. You can get more information on EA Play from the official website.
Last Five Madden NFL Cover Athletes
Caleb Williams
Saquan Barkley
Christian McCaffrey
Josh Allen
John Madden
Caleb Williams is the first quarterback on the cover of Madden since Josh Allen back on Madden NFL 24. The game has featured Christian McCaffrey and Saquan Barkley since, two of the flashiest running backs in the league. Brian Urlacher is the only other Chicago Bear to be on an American released football cover. Roberto Garza was on the Spanish-language release back in 2009.