EA Sports Narrows Possible "Madden" Cover Athletes To Nine

Polamalu One Of Nine Finalists For "Madden NFL 10" Cover

EA Sports has announced the nine finalists to appear on the cover of the "Madden NFL 10" videogame, with the cover athlete to be announced tomorrow. The finalists are Steelers S Troy Polamalu, Colts QB Peyton Manning, Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, Chiefs QB Matt Cassel, Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson and Ravens S Ed Reed (EA Sports). FANHOUSE.com's Bruce Ciskie wrote, "I would be shocked if Polamalu and his wild hair weren't the choice. Not only is he one of the best players in the NFL, but he'll also make a great representative for the game. He's very recognizable among the younger demographic EA targets with these games" (FANHOUSE.com, 4/21).

READY TO RUMBLE: "Madden NFL 10" will kick off the season with the Madden NFL 10 Draft Experience exclusively at MaddenNFL.easports.com Saturday afternoon at 3:30pm ET. The Web site will feature a live, streaming draft analysis show produced from Madden NFL HQs in Orlando that will be co-hosted by CBS' Shannon Sharpe. The show will feature several interactive elements, including live call-ins from Bears RB Matt Forte and Eagles WR DeSean Jackson, and commentary from draft correspondents in N.Y. (EA Sports).

GOING FOR IT ON FOURTH DOWN: With former USC QB Mark Sanchez, former Univ. of Texas DE Brian Orakpo and former Utah QB Brian Johnson all announced as being on the cover of various editions of EA Sports' "NCAA Football 10," FIRSTCUTS' Chris Littmann reported an image has "emerged with Michael Crabtree -- not Percy Harvin -- on the cover for the Xbox 360 edition" (SPORTINGNEWS.com, 4/22). PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Aaron Wilson earlier on Wednesday reported Harvin, the former Univ. of Florida WR, would be the final cover athlete. But Wilson today wonders whether EA Sports is "wary of being associated with Harvin due to him allegedly testing positive for marijuana at the NFL Scouting Combine" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 4/23).