Purse, Not Curse: LT Reportedly Turns Down “Madden” Cover

Tomlinson Reportedly Turns Down EA Deal For "Madden NFL 08"

Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson turned down an offer from EA Sports to appear on the cover of “Madden NFL 08,” according to sources cited by CNBC’s Darren Rovell. EA Sports last night formally announced Titans QB Vince Young will appear on the cover of the videogame. Tomlinson was not “willing to do it for less than market value,” and while six NFL players in a row have sustained injuries the year in which they appeared on the cover, Tomlinson’s decision “doesn’t have much to do with the highly-publicized curse.” The deal typically pays $100,000-200,000 and requires “multiple appearances” to promote the game, and Rovell adds “expect more NFL stars to turn down the cover in the future ... because the price is just too low” (CNBC.com, 4/18). However, EA Sports Dir of Marketing Chris Erb said, “Vince was the guy all along” (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 4/18).

YOUNG AT HEART: Young, on the “Madden video game” cover jinx: “I’m a man of God, so if it’s my time to get hurt, it’s my time to get hurt. But if not, time to go to the playoffs and the Super Bowl” (NFL Network, 4/17).