Bears quarterback Caleb Williams named Madden NFL 27 cover athlete

Caleb Williams will grace the cover of this year’s issue of the Madden NFL video game.

“Madden NFL 27” will feature a shot of the Chicago Bears quarterback’s signature play: a wild jump shot.

Williams’ photo mimics his remarkable fourth-and-eight 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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Williams is the first Bears player to appear on the cover.

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“When I got the call from Madden, it was like a childhood dream 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 dreaming about what it would be like to be a part of the game. I know fans will love what’s new in this year’s game, and I look forward to getting my rating to 99 by the end of the season.”

“Caleb Williams appears to be the true face of the franchise, the culmination of many moments in the Chicago Bears’ incredible history that led them to the exciting next generation of quarterbacks,” said Evan Dexter, EA Sports’ vice president of franchise strategy and marketing. “Madden NFL 27 aims to put more of these critical moments and key management decisions in the hands of our players, with meaningful consequences that resonate across the NFL, so they can truly build a league of their own. Like Caleb, the future of football in ‘Madden NFL 27’ is more exciting and dynamic than ever.”

Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after the NFL wild card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers on January 10, 2026 in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/AP)

The 2024 first overall pick is entering a pivotal third season after starting to meet his draft stock last season, so Bears fans will certainly want their quarterback to avoid the “Madden Curse.”

In the early 21st century, the game’s cover athletes often had tumultuous seasons immediately afterwards. Dante Culpepper (2001), Donovan McNabb (2006), Shaun Alexander (2007), and Vince Young (2008) are some of the most notable examples.

The curse has been lifted in recent years, but he only played in four games in 2024 when Christian McCaffrey graced the cover. Saquon Barkley was on the cover last year after posting a 2,000-yard season during the Super Bowl campaign, but he too took a step back.

Williams is still aiming to become the first Bears quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards, but the 3,942 yards he threw for last year were the most in franchise history. He threw 27 touchdowns against just seven interceptions and also rushed for three more scores.

Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams runs away from Green Bay Packers’ Lukas van Ness during the second half of an NFL game on December 20, 2025 in Chicago. (Nam Huh/AP)

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The game will be released on August 13.

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