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Chargers' Tomlinson turned down Madden cover; not curse, but cash
It turns out Vince Young might not have been the first choice for the Madden 2008 cover. According to CNBC Sports Business reporter Darren Rovell, multiple industry sources have told him that Electronic Arts asked San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson of his interest and presented him an offer. Tomlinson turned it down.The reason purportedly has nothing to do with the oft-cited "Madden curse," but that Tomlinson was not happy with EA's financial offer. Electronic Arts, according to Rovell, understands their cover to be what he calls the "Wheaties box endorsement," which means that EA will offer the cover athlete less than his market value. Tomlinson opted against it.Young, afraid of no curse, is now the cover athlete. But as Rovell justly observes, Madden titles sell well regardless of who graces the cover.
Vince Young tapped for Madden '08 cover?
The Nashville City Paper is citing an unnamed "source with knowledge of the situation" as confirming that Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young will be the cover star of Madden '08. Young is expected to officially announce the placement during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight. Young is also one of three players tapped to star in a series of commercials for the game, along with New Orleans running back Reggie Bush and Chicago's perfectly fast Devin Hester. The ads will premiere during the NFL draft.Young would be a somewhat unorthodox choice for the cover -- a recent ESPN listing put him as the sixth most likely candidate. Apparently winning the Super Bowl is not as impressive as being a rookie QB "with a flair for the dramatic," as ESPN put it.[Via GameDaily]
