Is the Madden Curse Real? What Caleb Williams' Madden 27 Cover Means for Bears Fans

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams lands on the cover of EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27.

The Chicago Bears officially have their first-ever Madden cover athlete. Caleb Williams was announced as the cover star for Madden 27 after a breakout sophomore season that helped lead the Bears to the NFC’s No. 2 seed and their first playoff victory in 16 years.

The announcement immediately sparked discussion online about the infamous “Madden Curse.” Rival fans quickly flooded social media with predictions of injuries, regression, and disappointment for Williams and the Bears heading into 2026.

The idea of the Madden Curse has existed for decades. Several cover athletes have experienced injuries, statistical decline, or disappointing seasons after appearing on the game’s cover. Still, not every example fully supports the theory.

Looking at the last three cover athletes gives a better picture of whether Bears fans should actually be concerned.

What Recent Madden Cover Athletes Reveal About the Madden Curse

Saquon Barkley (Madden 26)

Saquon Barkley earned the Madden 26 cover after one of the greatest seasons by a running back in recent memory. Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns while helping lead his team to a Super Bowl victory.

Many believed he should have won MVP after dominating throughout the season.

The following year, Barkley’s production dropped significantly. He finished with 1,140 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while failing to make the Pro Bowl. His team also suffered an early playoff exit.

At first glance, that looks like a classic Madden Curse example. However, Barkley’s 2025 numbers were closer to the production levels seen earlier in his career. That may suggest his historic 2024 campaign was simply difficult to replicate.

Christian McCaffrey (Madden 25)

Christian McCaffrey entered Madden 25 coming off an incredible 2023 season. He totaled 2,023 yards from scrimmage and scored 21 touchdowns while helping lead the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl.

McCaffrey finished third in MVP voting and looked like one of the league’s most dominant offensive players.

Unlike Barkley, McCaffrey’s post-cover struggles came because of injuries rather than performance decline. He suffered an Achilles injury before being announced on the cover, the injury didn't appear to be severe.

However, he appeared in only four games during the 2024 season after dealing with multiple setbacks throughout the year.

The situation became increasingly frustrating as recovery timelines continued to change. Every time it appeared McCaffrey was close to returning, another complication surfaced in a year to forget for the running back.

His strong 2025 comeback season strengthens the Madden Curse argument. McCaffrey returned to elite form with 2,136 total yards and 17 touchdowns, proving the difficult season may have been more bad luck than anything else and maybe the Curse did hit CMC in 2024.

Josh Allen (Madden 24)

Josh Allen became the Madden 24 cover athlete after posting 4,283 passing yards and 35 touchdowns during the 2022 season.

While the Buffalo Bills once again fell short in the playoffs, Allen remained one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks entering the following year.

His first season after appearing on the cover did not show major signs of a curse. Allen threw for 4,306 yards and remained productive despite a slight dip in touchdowns and an increase in interceptions.

Buffalo also suffered another second-round playoff exit, but Allen still performed at a high level overall.

Among recent cover athletes, Allen may be the strongest example against the Madden Curse.

What the Madden Curse Could Mean for Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears?

For Bears fans, Josh Allen’s example is likely the most relevant comparison. Both quarterbacks entered the cover spotlight after emerging as faces of the league and leading successful playoff teams.

The pressure surrounding Williams will undoubtedly increase heading into 2026. Being the Madden cover athlete brings attention, expectations, and constant media discussion throughout the season.

Still, Williams has consistently handled pressure well throughout his football career. His confidence and composure became major reasons for Chicago’s turnaround last season.

If there is one takeaway from recent Madden covers, it is that every situation is different. Some players dealt with injuries, while others simply failed to repeat career-best performances.

At this point, there is little evidence suggesting Bears fans should genuinely fear the Madden Curse. If anything, Chicago should feel encouraged that Williams has already established himself as one of the NFL’s rising superstars.

The Bears waited a long time for a player to become the face of the franchise. Madden 27 may simply be another sign that the organization is finally heading in the right direction, but they might be thanking their lucky stars that D’Andre Swift wasn’t the cover athlete.