Caleb Williams lands 'Madden NFL 27' cover, but infamous curse looms over pivotal third season

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will aim to avoid the "Madden Curse" in a pivotal third NFL season after being tabbed as the video game's cover athlete.

Caleb Williams will grace the cover of this year's edition of the Madden NFL video game.

"Madden NFL 27" will have a photo of what's become the signature play for the Chicago Bears quarterback: a wild jump throw.

The photo of Williams 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 Bears throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the wild-card game at Soldier Field in Chicago on Jan. 10, 2026. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Williams is the first Bears player to appear on the cover.

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"When I received the call from Madden, it was like my childhood dream was coming true. Being on the cover of 'Madden NFL 27' is a full-circle moment," Williams said, via ESPN.

"I grew up playing Madden and imagining what it would be like to be part of the game. I know fans are going to love what's new in this year's game, and I'm looking forward to getting my rating up to a 99 by the end of the season."

"Caleb Williams is what a true face of the franchise looks like -- the culmination of many moments in the Chicago Bears' incredible history that has 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 those critical moments and key management decisions, with meaningful