Bears QB Caleb Williams Gets His Madden Moment

CHICAGO — Caleb Williams has another first for the Chicago Bears.

The Bears quarterback has been named the cover athlete for EA Sports’ Madden NFL 27, making him the first player in Chicago Bears history to appear on a Madden NFL cover, Electronic Arts announced Tuesday.

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The game’s Standard Edition cover shows Williams’ signature jump pass. The Deluxe Edition cover features the celebration that helped earn Williams the nickname “Iceman,” along with a custom nail set featuring the EA Sports logo.

“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. “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.”

Williams enters the season with a 90 overall rating in Madden NFL 27 after throwing for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns last season, setting the Bears’ single-season franchise record for passing yards. He also led the Bears to their first division title since 2018 and first playoff victory since 2010.

EA described Williams as one of the NFL’s most compelling quarterbacks entering 2026, citing his “NFL Moment of the Year” — a walk-off, game-winning 46-yard touchdown pass in overtime against the Green Bay Packers.

“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,” Evan Dexter, EA’s vice president of franchise strategy and marketing, said.

The full game reveal is scheduled for Thursday on the EA Madden NFL YouTube channel. Madden NFL 27 is scheduled for worldwide launch Aug. 13.

Landing the Madden cover has long been one of the most visible honors in football and gaming culture. The series, named for Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster John Madden, annually features some of the NFL’s biggest stars.

The cover selection also gives Bears fans a reason to revisit the long-running “Madden Curse” superstition, which has followed the video game franchise for years. Fans have pointed to injuries or down seasons after players appeared on the Madden cover, with commonly cited examples including Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb, Shaun Alexander and others. But the superstition is hardly foolproof: Patrick Mahomes appeared on the Madden NFL 20 cover and went on to win the Super Bowl and Super Bowl MVP that season.

For Bears fans, Williams’ selection gives them a reason to celebrate — and maybe nervously joke — as Chicago’s quarterback becomes the franchise’s first Madden cover star.