Caleb Williams Madden cover: Bears QB earns honor for 2026

The popular "Madden" video game franchise announced June 3 that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams would grace its 2026 cover.

The 24-year-old quarterback expressed excitement about earning the unique honor in an EA Sports press release.

"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 was chosen after completing 58.1% of his passes for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2025. He led the Bears to an 11-6 record, an NFC North title and the team's first playoff victory since 2010, a 31-27 wild-card victory over the rival Green Bay Packers.

The game's cover art will showcase Williams' signature mid-air throw on its Standard Edition. Meanwhile, its Deluxe Edition will feature his iconic "Iceman" celebration along with custom nail art featuring the EA Sports logo.

Williams will be the first Bears player to ever grace the cover of a Madden game. He is also the first quarterback to earn that honor since Josh Allen in Madden 24 (released in 2023).

Williams will be designated with a 90 overall rating to start the season – as it was revealed following the cover announcement.

Madden cover athletes by year

Madden first put an athlete on the cover in 2000, when Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George was chosen to front "Madden 2001." Below is a look at everyone who has earned the cover art nod since then.

• Madden 2001 (2000): Eddie George, RB, Tennessee Titans
• Madden 2002 (2001): Daunte Culpepper, QB, Minnesota Vikings
• Madden 2003 (2002): Marshall Faulk, RB, St. Louis Rams
• Madden 2004 (2003): Michael Vick, QB, Atlanta Falcons
• Madden 2005 (2004): Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore Ravens
• Madden 06 (2005): Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
• Madden 07 (2006): Shaun Alexander, RB, Seattle Seahawks
• Madden 08 (2007): Vince Young, QB, Tennessee Titans
• Madden 09 (2008): Brett Favre, QB, Green Bay Packers
• Madden 10 (2009): Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers and Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals
• Madden 11 (2010): Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
• Madden 12 (2011): Peyton Hillis, RB, Cleveland Browns
• Madden 13 (2012): Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
• Madden 25 (2013): Barry Sanders, RB, Detroit Lions
• Madden 25 (2013): Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
• Madden 15 (2014): Richard Sherman, CB, Seattle Seahawks
• Madden 16 (2015): Odell Beckham Jr., WR, New York Giants
• Madden 17 (2016): Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots
• Madden 18 (2017): Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
• Madden 19 (2018): Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Madden 20 (2019): Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
• Madden 21 (2020): Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
• Madden 22 (2021): Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs and Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Madden 23 (2022): John Madden, Pro Football Hall of Fame coach
• Madden 24 (2023): Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
• Madden 25 (2024): Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
• Madden 26 (2025): Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
• Madden 27 (2026): Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears