If history is any indication, the 2007 season is not looking too bright for Tennessee quarterback Vince Young, his fans or anyone unfortunate enough to select him in their fantasy football draft. The former Texas star, is on the cover of “Madden 2008,” and you know what that means — Young probably won't be standing by the time the regular season concludes. “Madden 2008,” the latest edition in the mega-successful sports video game franchise, hit stores — and sold out shortly thereafter — on Aug. 14. The game's annual release has become an unofficial holiday for gaming enthusiasts everywhere, as “Madden” is universally considered the best football game on the market. Of course, by the time the season is over, Young will likely be wishing he had passed on being the game's cover boy. Here are some examples of previous players featured on the cover, and how they fared during that season.
 

SHAUN ALEXANDER RB, SEATTLE
COVER YEAR: “Madden 2007”
2006 PRODUCTION: Alexander, who had only missed one career start before this season, only started 10 games because of a broken foot. And for the first time since 2000, Alexander failed to rush for 1,000 yards.
THE AFTERMATH: Only time will tell.

DONOVAN MCNABB QB, PHILADELPHIA
COVER YEAR: “Madden 2006”
2005 PRODUCTION: A year after taking the Eagles to the Super Bowl, McNabb played in only nine games in 2005 before a sports hernia surgery ended his season.
THE AFTERMATH: In 2005 and 2006, injuries limited McNabb to playing in 19 of a possible 34 games.

RAY LEWIS LB, BALTIMORE
COVER YEAR: “Madden 2005”
2004 PRODUCTION: The only defensive player to ever grace the “Madden” cover, Lewis failed to record an interception for the first time in his career, and a year after winning its division, Baltimore missed the playoffs.
THE AFTERMATH: Lewis has only recorded 149 total tackles over the past two seasons and missed 12 games because of injuries.

MICHAEL VICK QB, ATLANTA
COVER YEAR: “Madden 2004”
2003 PRODUCTION: After breaking his leg in the preseason, Vick played in only five regular season games — throwing for a paltry 585 yards — while the Falcons finished 5-11.
THE AFTERMATH: The cover curse apparently strikes off the gridiron as well, as Vick is going to prison on dog-fighting charges. Perhaps you've heard.

MARSHALL FAULK RB, ST. LOUIS
COVER YEAR: “Madden 2003”
2002 PRODUCTION: Faulkmissed five games with an ankle injury. He still managed more than 1,400 total yards and 10 TDs, however, that was quite the drop-off from 2001.
THE AFTERMATH: From 2002-2005 (he is now retired), Faulk never again rushed for 1,000 yards.

DAUNTE CULPEPPER QB, MINNESOTA
COVER YEAR: “Madden 2002”
2001 PRODUCTION: Culpepper only threw 14 TDs, compared to 13 interceptions, before a knee injury ended his season after 11 games.
THE AFTERMATH: Since gracing the “Madden” cover, Culpepper has thrown 104 TD passes and 73 interceptions. He was recently released by Miami and picked up by Oakland.

CLINT HALE | 210SA