Drew Brees: The Story Behind the Madden NFL 11 Cover Athlete

The cover athlete for Madden NFL 11 is none other than Drew Brees, the Super Bowl XLIV MVP quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. His selection was a testament to his incredible performance that season, cementing his place as one of the NFL’s elite players.

The Road to the Cover: A Look at the Madden 11 Selection Process

Being chosen as the Madden cover athlete is a significant honor, a symbol of excellence and popularity within the NFL. For Madden NFL 11, EA Sports took a different approach, engaging fans directly in the selection process through a voting campaign. This innovative approach created significant buzz around the game’s release.

The candidates vying for the coveted spot alongside Brees were:

• Alex Smith: Quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers
• Jared Allen: Defensive end of the Minnesota Vikings
• Reggie Wayne: Wide receiver of the Indianapolis Colts

The competition was fierce, with each player having a dedicated fanbase and compelling arguments for their selection. Ultimately, Drew Brees emerged victorious, fueled by his recent Super Bowl win and his charismatic public persona. His selection was a celebration of the Saints’ championship season and Brees’s leadership both on and off the field.

The Significance of the Madden Cover

The Madden cover is more than just a marketing tool; it’s a cultural symbol within the football community. It represents the peak of athletic achievement, the recognition of a player’s talent and influence. However, it’s also associated with the infamous “Madden Curse,” a superstition that suggests players featured on the cover are prone to injuries or a decline in performance the following season. While the curse is largely considered a myth, its persistent presence in the NFL world adds an intriguing layer to the selection process. The effect of video games is researched in many academic fields. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) studies such effects.

Madden NFL 11: More Than Just a Cover

Madden NFL 11 was a significant release in the franchise, introducing several new features and improvements. The game featured:

• Enhanced gameplay: Improved animations, more intuitive controls, and a refined player experience.
• 3-on-3 Online Team Play: A new mode that allowed players to team up and compete against others online.
• Madden NFL Ultimate Team: A collectible card-based mode where players could build their dream teams.
• Gus Johnson’s Commentary: The energetic and exciting play-by-play commentary of Gus Johnson.

The game was released on various platforms, including PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable, and iOS, demonstrating its wide reach and appeal. Madden NFL 11 aimed to deliver a comprehensive and engaging football experience, building upon the franchise’s legacy while introducing fresh innovations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Madden NFL 11

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Madden NFL 11, providing additional context and information about the game and its cover athlete:

1. What year did Madden NFL 11 come out?

Madden NFL 11 was released in North America on August 10, 2010, and in Europe on August 13, 2010.

2. Was Drew Brees the only option for the Madden NFL 11 cover?

No, there were four finalists: Alex Smith, Drew Brees, Jared Allen, and Reggie Wayne. Fans voted for their preferred athlete.

3. What consoles was Madden NFL 11 available on?

Madden NFL 11 was available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable, and iOS.

4. Did Madden NFL 11 have Ultimate Team?

Yes, Madden NFL 11 included the Madden NFL Ultimate Team mode, a popular feature where players collect cards to build their dream teams.

5. Who were the commentators in Madden NFL 11?

Gus Johnson provided the play-by-play commentary, bringing his signature energy to the game.

6. What was significant about Drew Brees’s career at the time of the Madden NFL 11 cover?

Drew Brees had just led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl XLIV victory and was named the Super Bowl MVP. This was his peak performance and the perfect timing for the cover.

7. What is the “Madden Curse”?

The “Madden Curse” is a superstition that players featured on the Madden cover are prone to injuries or a decline in performance in the following season.

8. Has the “Madden Curse” affected Drew Brees?

Whether the curse affected Drew Brees is debatable. While he had a strong season after appearing on the cover, some might point to certain challenges or setbacks as potential manifestations of the curse.

9. What new features did Madden NFL 11 introduce?

Madden NFL 11 introduced 3-on-3 Online Team Play, improved animations, more intuitive controls, and Madden NFL Ultimate Team.

10. How did EA Sports choose the Madden NFL 11 cover athlete?

EA Sports allowed fans to vote for the Madden NFL 11 cover athlete, making it a more interactive and engaging selection process.

11. Who was on the cover of Madden NFL 10?

The Madden NFL 10 cover featured two players: Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals.

12. Who was on the Madden NFL 12 cover?

The Madden NFL 12 cover featured Peyton Hillis, a running back for the Cleveland Browns.

13. Was there a Spanish-language version of Madden NFL 11 with a different cover athlete?

No, unlike some previous installments, there was no separate Spanish-language version with a different cover athlete for Madden NFL 11. Drew Brees was the cover athlete for all versions.

14. What made Drew Brees such a popular choice for the Madden NFL 11 cover?

Drew Brees‘s popularity stemmed from his exceptional performance, his leadership qualities, and his role in leading the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl victory. He also engaged actively with fans.

15. What is the legacy of Madden NFL 11 in the Madden franchise?

Madden NFL 11 is remembered for its innovative fan voting system, the introduction of Madden NFL Ultimate Team, and Drew Brees‘s iconic cover, solidifying its place as a memorable installment in the franchise. You can learn more about games and their impact at the Games Learning Society website.

This information provides a comprehensive overview of the Madden NFL 11 cover athlete and the game itself. Drew Brees’s presence on the cover was more than just a marketing move; it was a recognition of his achievements and his impact on the sport. The game itself built upon the Madden legacy by incorporating several innovative features.